Home Office Launches Investigation into Religious Sect's Visa Practices
The Home Office has confirmed it is investigating a company connected to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), a religious sect based in Cheshire, over its use of immigration visas. Officials are examining whether skilled worker visas have been properly utilized to bring individuals into the United Kingdom.
Background of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is a sect that blends elements of Islam with unconventional beliefs, including conspiracy theories about the Illuminati and extraterrestrial control over U.S. presidents. The group's leader, Abdullah Hashem, claims miraculous abilities such as healing the sick and making the moon disappear. Approximately 100 followers reside in a former orphanage in Crewe, located in north-west England.
The community relocated to the UK in 2021 after transferring their headquarters from Sweden, where immigration authorities had previously investigated several companies associated with the sect. Swedish courts issued 69 deportation orders for AROPL members, which the group claims were handed down after they had already moved to Britain.
Focus on AROPL Studios and Skilled Worker Visas
The investigation centers on AROPL Studios, a company established in 2021 to produce social media and YouTube content about the sect's teachings. According to data released by the Home Office, AROPL Studios had 12 skilled worker visas issued between 2022 and 2025.
Skilled worker visas, introduced in 2020, are designed to allow UK companies to hire foreign workers with specialized skills for specific roles. In September 2025, the Home Office announced a crackdown on sponsors found to be abusing the immigration system.
Response from AROPL and Legal Statements
AROPL has denied any illegal immigration practices through its legal representatives. The sect stated that all members and workers have lawful immigration status and expressed unawareness of any ongoing investigation. Lawyers for the group emphasized that any suggestion of improper visa usage is false and that they possess documentation to substantiate their compliance.
In public statements, Hashem has described the international composition of the UK-based group, mentioning followers from countries including Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. He highlighted the peaceful coexistence of members from nearly 100 different countries.
Previous Scrutiny in Sweden and Current UK Investigation
The Guardian reviewed Swedish immigration court judgments that identified three AROPL-linked companies as "rogue employers" who hired sect followers to facilitate Swedish residency. Hashem has condemned these rulings as racist and religious persecution.
AROPL describes itself as a peaceful, open, and transparent movement derived from Shia Islam, recognized by multiple international bodies. The sect notes that its interpretation of Islam, which permits alcohol consumption and does not require women to wear hijabs, has led to persecution in some countries.
The Home Office's investigation marks continued scrutiny of the group's immigration practices, raising questions about visa compliance and religious organization operations in the UK.
