UK expands visa fraud campaign in Punjab, Haryana; launches 'Punjabi WhatsApp chatbot'

The British High Commission will be working with Indian authorities and local stakeholders to extend the reach of its ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign to areas of Punjab and Haryana in the coming months, following the positive response to the initiative launched earlier this year.

On Wednesday, the UK unveiled a new QR code for its WhatsApp chatbot, making it easier to access advice in an accessible format, in Punjabi. The chatbot provides official UK guidance on identifying common visa scam tactics as well as official guidance for those seeking legal routes to travel to the UK.

British High Commission Political Counsellor Daniel Sherry said, “We are making our ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign in Punjab more accessible with the launch of WhatsApp chatbot QR code. Working with partners in Chandigarh and Punjab, and with the Government of India, we will continue to protect those vulnerable to visa fraud.”

Deputy Head of Mission in Chandigarh Amandeep Grewal said, “Our mission is clear—to protect innocent people from visa fraud. As we expand this campaign across Punjab and Haryana, we will continue raising awareness and promoting safe, legal travel to the UK.”