‘Punjab known for hardworking & ambitious people’: UK launches visa fraud awareness campaign
Visa Fraud Awareness: The United Kingdom government on Thursday launched the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’—which translates to ‘beware of visa fraud’ in Punjabi—campaign to raise public awareness about visa scam tactics being used in Punjab. Aimed at protecting people against phusical, financial and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migration, the campaign will encourage UK-bound travelers to check factors and stay safe, finding the latest information on British visa on the official portal and WhatsApp helpline.
Where to access latest information on British visa
Guidance related to visa application is available free of cost on the gov.uk portal and WhatsApp helpline 7065251380 (available in English and Punjabi).
The dedicated WhatsApp helpine will provide help in identifying common visa scam tactics while providing access to official guidance for those seeking legal routes to travel to the UK.
Outreach programmes
The campaign includes outreach activities in and around Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Chandigarh.
Alongside the WhatsApp line, the campaign will highlight the warning signs of visa scams, advising people to look out for common spurious claims such:
- The promise of jobs in the UK
- No requirement for English-language tests (IELTS)
- 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,” read an official statement.
Under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, the UK and India have a shared commitment to tackling irregular migration, and the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign represents a further element of joint efforts to step up their fight against irregular migration and visa fraud, it stated.
‘Young peoples’ dreams being exploited… too many becoming victims of visa fraud’
“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,” said Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner to India.
“That’s why we are launching the Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign,” added Scott.
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‘Punjab known for hardworking & ambitious people’
“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,” said Caroline Rowett, British Deputy High Commissioner Chandigarh.
The UK is expected to issue about a million visas this year.
Indian nationals receive almost a quarter of all UK visas worldwide.
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