Tech Talk
UK Launches ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ Campaign to Protect Indian Citizens from Scams
To protect Indian citizens from visa scams and illegal migration risks, the UK government has rolled out the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign. This initiative aims to shield individuals from financial loss, emotional distress, and potential exploitation by fraudsters posing as legitimate visa agents.
A key feature of the initiative is a dedicated WhatsApp support line (+91 70652 51380) available in English and Punjabi. This helpline aims to educate individuals about common visa scam tactics and provide official guidance on legal migration routes to the UK.
Campaign Highlights
The campaign was officially unveiled at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar in the presence of LPU Chancellor and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal. Through this initiative, the UK government will raise awareness about fraudulent schemes that falsely promise:
- Guaranteed jobs in the UK
- No requirement for English language tests (IELTS)
- Excessive processing fees for visa applications
Visa fraud can leave victims burdened with huge financial debt and expose them to exploitation and physical harm. Moreover, individuals caught engaging in fraudulent visa activities could face a 10-year ban on entering the UK.
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Strengthening Indo-UK Cooperation
Under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, the UK and India are working together to curb illegal migration. This campaign further reinforces their shared commitment to tackling visa fraud and ensuring safe, transparent migration pathways.
Speaking about the initiative, British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Christina Scott, stated:
“The opportunity to visit, study, and work in the UK has never been greater, and Indian nationals continue to receive the highest number of UK visit and work visas. However, too many young people are falling prey to visa fraud. That’s why we are launching the Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign—to raise awareness and help people make informed decisions about legal migration routes.”
With this proactive measure, the UK government aims to empower Indian citizens with the right knowledge and protect them from fraudulent visa schemes.