The United Kingdom has launched a new campaign, ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’, aimed at raising awareness against visa fraud in Punjab. The campaign encourages individuals planning to travel to the UK to verify information through official channels and avoid falling prey to fraudulent agents.
The campaign was launched on February 27 and includes a dedicated WhatsApp support line (+91 70652 51380) available in English and Punjabi. This helpline will provide guidance on visa applications, help identify scam tactics, and offer access to official resources for those looking to migrate to the UK through legal means.
Key Highlights of the Campaign:
- The campaign was officially launched at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar in the presence of Chancellor and Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal.
- It aims to educate people about common visa scams, such as:
- False promises of jobs in the UK
- Misleading claims of no English-language requirement (IELTS)
- Exorbitant visa processing fees
- The campaign warns that visa fraud can lead to heavy financial losses, exploitation, and even a 10-year travel ban from the UK.
UK-India Partnership on Migration
Under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, India and the UK have committed to tackling irregular migration and visa fraud.
Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner to India, emphasized:
“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. That’s why we are launching the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign—to help people check the facts on safe and legal routes to the UK.”
Caroline Rowett, British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, praised the contributions of Punjabis in the UK but stressed the importance of legal migration:
“Punjab is known for its hardworking and ambitious people. We want to ensure their dreams of coming to the UK are fulfilled safely and legally. We urge people to spread the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ message to protect individuals from falling victim to fraud.”
How to Stay Safe?
✔ Verify visa information on the official UK government website: www.gov.uk
✔ Use the WhatsApp support line (+91 70652 51380) for guidance.
✔ Be cautious of unrealistic job offers and avoid agents demanding excessive fees.
✔ Ensure compliance with English-language requirements like IELTS, if applicable.
This initiative aims to empower individuals with accurate information and prevent fraudulent activities that exploit the aspirations of those looking to build a future in the UK.