YouTubers are reportedly providing tutorials on how migrants can exploit UK charity visa loopholes to relocate their families. The videos, which have amassed tens of thousands of views, advise viewers on using the Charity Worker visa to bring dependants who can then take up paid employment, according to The Telegraph.
The Charity Worker visa is intended for foreign nationals to volunteer in the UK for up to 12 months. However, content creators like Nigerian 'lifestyle and relocation' vlogger Kelvin Ossai have posted videos titled 'Move to the UK on [a] charity visa for FREE,' highlighting that dependants can work unlimited hours. Ossai told The Telegraph that his advice is based on legal Home Office-approved pathways.
Another YouTuber, Tochi Esther, interviewed a woman who used the charity visa to bring her family to the UK. The interviewee stated that while she received a volunteer stipend, her husband could work any job and any number of hours. The video was made private after The Times approached Esther for comment, who denied offering immigration advice.
Separately, immigration lawyer Sherissa Cupid-Bennett reportedly told TikTok followers that claiming conversion from Islam to another religion is one of the most reliable asylum methods. She said that if an immigration officer believes the claim, success is almost certain, and suggested using news reports as evidence. There is no suggestion she advised lying.
A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Under our Plan for Change, our upcoming immigration white paper will set out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system, which includes cracking down on those who look to exploit our visa routes.' They added that they keep visa and asylum systems under constant review.
