After Punjab & TN, UK expands ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ campaign to Haryana to check illegal migration
As part of the initiative, authorities have activated a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot (+91 70652 51380) to provide verified visa guidance in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil
PTC Web Desk: The United Kingdom (UK) has extended its anti-visa fraud outreach campaign, ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’, to Haryana in a bid to protect Indian nationals from falling prey to fraudulent travel agents and irregular migration networks.
The campaign was formally launched at an event in Sonepat on Wednesday in the presence of Haryana Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Gaurav Gautam and Simon Ridley, Acting Permanent Secretary at the UK Home Office.
Focus on key districts
The initiative will concentrate on Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal and Kurukshetra districts, working in coordination with the state government. Haryana becomes the third Indian state to host the campaign after Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
The awareness drive urges individuals planning to travel to the UK to verify visa-related information through official sources and remain cautious of fraudulent schemes. As part of the initiative, authorities have activated a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot ( 91 70652 51380) to provide verified visa guidance in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil.
Warning against common visa scams
Officials highlighted that fraudulent agents often lure applicants with false assurances such as guaranteed UK visas or jobs; no requirement for English proficiency tests like International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and demands for excessive or unofficial fees.
Outreach teams will conduct ground-level engagement programmes across the targeted districts to spread awareness about these red flags.
UK officials emphasise safe migration
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said the expansion of the campaign reflects the UK’s commitment to ensuring prospective travellers have access to reliable and authentic information. She encouraged applicants to depend solely on verified platforms, including the official chatbot, to safeguard themselves from exploitation.
Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, stated that preventing exploitation and irregular migration is a shared priority between the UK and India. She acknowledged the support of the Haryana government and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in strengthening the campaign’s outreach.
Strict consequences for visa fraud
Authorities reiterated that visa fraud can result in severe consequences, including heavy financial losses, emotional distress and exposure to unsafe migration routes. Individuals found guilty of committing visa fraud may face a travel ban of up to 10 years from entering the UK.
The campaign is also aligned with commitments under the India-UK Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, which focuses on tackling irregular migration through collaborative efforts.
With thousands of aspirants seeking overseas education and employment opportunities, officials hope the expanded campaign will help curb misinformation and protect applicants from falling into debt traps or exploitative networks.