In a shocking revelation, nearly 40 law firms in the United Kingdom have come under scrutiny for allegedly “coaching” illegal Indian migrants to pose as pro-Khalistanis in order to seek asylum in the country. The suspicious operations of these law firms have drawn attention from UK authorities and triggered widespread concerns about the misuse of the asylum system.
The incident came to light when an undercover journalist from the Daily Mail visited several law firms, pretending to be an illegal Indian migrant who arrived in Britain via a small boat and was seeking employment opportunities. The journalist was met with disturbing suggestions from the lawyers, with most of them advising him to claim to be a farmer from Punjab and a supporter of the Khalistan movement.
According to the report, one lawyer even suggested that the journalist should falsely claim to have participated in the farmers’ protest and later joined the Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh. The lawyer went on to advise him to fabricate threats to his life from Indian security forces as a result of these supposed actions. Another lawyer, charging a hefty sum of £10,000, allegedly encouraged the journalist to present himself as a pro-Khalistani, even though it may not be true, just to increase his chances of winning the asylum case.
The revelations have sparked outrage and concern among politicians and public figures. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took to Twitter to express his frustration with the situation, stating, “This is what we’re up against. The Labour Party, a subset of lawyers, criminal gangs – they’re all on the same side, propping up a system of exploitation that profits from getting people to the UK illegally. I have a plan to stop it.”
Mr. Sunak further elaborated on his efforts to address immigration challenges and highlighted deals made with France and Albania to enhance patrols and facilitate deportations and deter illegal migrants.
The incident also raised alarms about the resurgence of the Khalistan movement, particularly in social media circles and certain countries such as Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, of Indian-American descent, stressed that Khalistanis do not represent the broader sentiments of American Sikhs. He condemned the violence and intolerance propagated by this minority faction, emphasizing the need to maintain objective view in differentiating Sikhs from Khalistanis.
The rise in attacks on Indian missions across the world by pro-Khalistani elements has become a matter of concern. Such incidents, including a recent attack on the Indian High Commission in London, have heightened tensions and drawn attention to the potential dangers posed by Khalistani activists.
Authorities in the UK are now investigating the alleged asylum scam involving these law firms and aiming to take appropriate actions to prevent further abuse of the asylum system. The issue also serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and thorough scrutiny in addressing complex immigration challenges while ensuring genuine asylum seekers find the protection they seek.