A method known as “nationality shopping” is being used by some migrants to improve their chances of getting asylum in the UK. It basically means people claim to be from countries where asylum applications are more likely to be accepted, such as Eritrea or Iran, even if that is not where they are really from.
New audio recordings suggest that some migrants are being carefully coached on exactly what to say during asylum interviews. In one example, an Iraqi man pretended to be a stateless Bidoon from Kuwait. He told a detailed story about being arrested, tortured, and forced to confess to crimes. What made it more striking was how confidently he answered specific questions about Kuwait, like its currency, flag, phone code, and regions, showing he had clearly memorised the information in advance.
These recordings are reportedly being shared among migrants preparing to cross the English Channel in small boats. Smuggling groups are said to be spreading them through encrypted apps like Telegram, especially among Iraqi and Kurdish migrants waiting in northern France. The audio acts almost like a step-by-step guide, teaching people how to tell a convincing story that fits what officials expect to hear. It focuses on the Bidoon identity, which refers to a group of stateless people in Kuwait who have faced long-term discrimination and lack of citizenship rights.
The idea behind this is simple. If someone claims to come from a place where asylum claims are often approved, their chances may increase. Some insiders say the system can be manipulated because it relies heavily on what applicants say about their identity and experiences. According to one source, people can easily look up facts online and rehearse answers, making it harder to tell who is genuine.
This is not the first time such tactics have appeared. Earlier, a detailed Arabic document was leaked showing ready-made stories migrants could use, including taking part in protests, being arrested, signing forced confessions, or being pressured to spy for authorities. After that document became known, smugglers reportedly started sharing audio versions to reassure people that the method still works.
At the same time, there has been a sharp rise in asylum claims linked to Kuwait. The number has jumped significantly in recent years, but approval rates have dropped as officials become more suspicious and start spotting patterns in these stories.
UK authorities say they are aware of these tactics and are trying to deal with them. They use different methods to check people’s claims, including analysing language and accents, checking biometric data, and carrying out detailed interviews. However, the challenge is that many applicants arrive well-prepared and trained on how to respond.
Smuggling networks appear to play a major role in all this. Some are said to coach migrants, organise crossings, and even demand proof of the journey, like videos, as part of their payment. These groups are turning the asylum process into something that can be learned and rehearsed rather than based purely on real experiences.
Despite a recent drop in small boat crossings compared to the same time last year, thousands of migrants are still reaching the UK this way, and overall numbers remain high.
Officials say the asylum system is not meant to be exploited and that stronger checks and new policies are being put in place to prevent abuse. They also aim to speed up the removal of people whose claims are rejected.
