• Campaign will raise awareness of visa scam tactics in Punjab, helping protect people from exploitation, financial loss, and emotional distress.  

• It encourages those traveling to the UK to check facts and stay safe. Visa application guidance is freely available on gov.uk, and via a new WhatsApp support line.  

The UK Government has today [27 February] launched the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign to help protect Indian citizens from the physical, financial, and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migration. 

The campaign includes a new dedicated WhatsApp support line (+91 70652 51380) in English and Punjabi, helping to identify common visa scam tactics and providing access to official guidance for those seeking legal routes to travel to the UK.  

The campaign was launched at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar in the presence of LPU Chancellor and Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal.  

Alongside the WhatsApp line, the campaign will highlight the warning signs of visa scams.  People will be advised to look out for the common spurious claims such as the promise of jobs in the UK, no requirement for English-language tests (IELTS), and exorbitant fees.   

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. Under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, the UK and India have a shared commitment to tackling irregular migration. The campaign represents a further element of joint efforts to step up the fight against irregular migration and visa fraud.  

Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner to India, said:

The opportunity to visit, study, and work in the UK has never been greater and Indian nationals continue to receive the largest share of UK visit and work visas. However, young peoples’ 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. The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the risks and help people to check the facts on safe and legal routes to the UK.

Caroline Rowett, British Deputy High Commissioner Chandigarh, said:

Punjab is known for its hardworking and ambitious people who have made significant contributions both in the UK and globally. We want to ensure that these dreams are fulfilled safely and legally. We urge people to spread the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ message and help protect individuals from falling victim to fraudulent agents.

Further information

• The WhatsApp support line is available in English and Punjabi language on +91 70652 51380.  

• Under the Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign, outreach activities will be conducted in and around Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Chandigarh to make people aware of potential scams while applying for visas.   

• Indian nationals now receive almost a quarter of all UK visas worldwide and the UK is expected to issue approximately 1 million visas this year.   

• February has also marked the third year of the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme, which has increased opportunities for internships and cultural exchanges in both the countries.   

Media

For media queries, please contact:

Media queries: BHCMediaDelhi@fco.gov.uk

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, Youtube and LinkedIn