Family Caught Faking Afghan Identity to Claim UK Asylum Lives in £575k Home, Escapes Trial for Now

A family accused of pretending to be Afghans to illegally seek asylum in the UK will not face trial until 2026, costing taxpayers an additional £164,000, according to MailOnline.

Gurbakhsh Singh, 72, his wife Ardet Kaur, 68, their son Guljeet Singh, 44, and his wife Kawaljeet Kaur, 37, appeared in court last Thursday on bail.

They are accused of falsely claiming to be from Afghanistan when they arrived at Heathrow Airport in December 2023. The charges allege they had twice been denied visas as Indian citizens earlier that year.

The family currently resides in a £575,000 home in Hemel Hempstead after previously staying at Wembley’s Holiday Inn, which is reserved for asylum seekers by the UK Government.

Housing the family has already cost £164,000 over 13 months, and with their trial set for February 2026, the total cost will reach at least £328,000.

During their first court appearance at Croydon Crown Court, the hearing was postponed due to the absence of Punjabi or Dari interpreters. The family denies making false asylum claims and has been granted bail until March 13 to enter their pleas.

They are accused of lying about their nationality and providing false documents in earlier failed visa applications. The charges also include knowingly entering the UK without permission in December 2023. Court records show they had previously identified themselves as Indian nationals.

Judge Michael Evans KC informed the family that they could still receive reduced sentences if they plead guilty. However, all four continue to claim innocence.

The family’s new home is a four-bedroom property with a modern kitchen, landscaped garden, and parking spaces, valued at £575,000. MailOnline reports that the cost of housing asylum seekers has risen significantly in recent years, with the family of four costing taxpayers £164,000 annually.

The Home Office declined to comment on the specific case but stated it thoroughly investigates any abuse of the asylum system and takes appropriate action when necessary.