‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ Initiative Aims to Safeguard Indian Travelers from Scams and Irregular Migration
New Delhi, February 27: The United Kingdom has launched a campaign titled ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’, aimed at raising awareness against visa scams in Punjab. The initiative encourages individuals planning to travel to the UK to verify information, avoid fraudulent agents, and access free official visa guidance available on the UK government’s website and a newly introduced WhatsApp helpline.
In an official statement, the British High Commission highlighted the campaign’s mission:
“Visa fraud leads to unacceptable and unnecessary levels of debt and puts people at risk of physical harm and exploitation. A person found committing visa fraud could receive a 10-year ban on travel to the UK.”
Dedicated WhatsApp Helpline to Combat Fraud
Launched on February 27 at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, the campaign features a WhatsApp support line (+91 70652 51380) in English and Punjabi to help individuals identify common visa scam tactics. It will also provide official guidance on legal migration routes to the UK.
British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Christina Scott, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“The opportunity to visit, study, and work in the UK has never been greater. However, young people’s dreams are being exploited, and too many are becoming victims of visa fraud.”
Key Warning Signs of Visa Fraud
The campaign warns against false claims such as:
- Guaranteed jobs in the UK without proper documentation
- No requirement for English-language tests (IELTS)
- Exorbitant application fees and hidden charges
British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, Caroline Rowett, also stressed the UK’s commitment to safe and legal migration:
“Punjab is known for its hardworking and ambitious people who have made significant contributions globally. We want to ensure that these dreams are fulfilled safely and legally.”
UK-India Collaboration to Curb Irregular Migration
Under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, the UK and India are jointly working to tackle visa fraud and irregular migration. The ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign represents a key step in strengthening these efforts and ensuring that individuals seeking a future in the UK do so through legal and secure channels.
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Visa Fraud Awareness, UK Visa Scams, Punjab Immigration, Legal Migration UK, British High Commission, Visa Scam Prevention, UK Work Visa, Immigration Fraud, Safe Travel UK, UK Visa News