United Kingdom's ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ drive reaches Haryana
The United Kingdom (UK) recently launched the ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ campaign in Haryana to help protect Indian nationals from the physical, financial and emotional risks of visa fraud and illegal migration.The campaign was launched at an event organised in Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University for Science and Technology (DCRUST) in Sonepat in the presence of Gaurav Gautam, the Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, and UK Home Office Acting Permanent Secretary Simon Ridley.
The campaign will focus on the districts of Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal and Kurukshetra, and receive full support and coordination from the state government. Haryana is the third state in India where the campaign has been launched, after Punjab and Tamil Nadu. As part of the initiative, UK teams will be conducting outreach engagements in these areas and highlighting the warning signs of visa scams.
People in the state would be taught how to differentiate between legitimate and bogus claims and spot warning signs promises of guaranteed visa and employment in the UK, being informed that there is no requirement for mandatory English-language tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and demands for exorbitant fees. Minister Gautam said some fake agents were spoiling the future of the youth by sending them abroad illegally. "In some cases, youths have had to face severe mental stress, financial loans and physical torture. There is no alternative to hard work and shortcuts never build a secure future,” he added. He also informed the gathering that the government had set up a Foreign Cooperation Department to send youths abroad in a safe and legitimate manner.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said, “The expansion of the ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ campaign to Haryana underscores the United Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that prospective travellers have access to accurate and authoritative information. We want every applicant to know that trustworthy guidance is available, that the UK values their aspirations and that no one should fall victim to those who exploit them. I encourage all those considering travel to the UK to rely solely on verified channels, including our WhatsApp chatbot, to ensure their safety and well-being.”
British Deputy High Commissioner (Chandigarh) Alba Smeriglio said, “Preventing exploitation and irregular migration remains a shared priority for the UK and India. With tools like our Hindi-enabled WhatsApp chatbot, the initiative will help people in the state recognise and avoid visa scams. We thank the Haryana Government and CM Nayab Singh Saini for their strong support and partnership.”
Visa fraud leads to unnecessary debt and puts people at risk of physical harm and exploitation. A person found committing visa fraud can receive a 10-year ban on travel to the UK. Under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, the UK and India have a shared commitment to tackling irregular migration.
