UK visa fraud alert: British High Commission takes awareness campaign to Ludhiana villages
PTC Web Desk: The British High Commission has taken its campaign against visa fraud to the grassroots, with British Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio interacting with villagers and young people in Dakha near Ludhiana on Monday.
The outreach was organised under the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign, which aims to educate people about fake visa offers, fraudulent agents and unsafe routes to overseas education and employment.
Rajinder S Nagarkoti, senior adviser at the British High Commission, and Capt Sandeep Sandhu, general secretary of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, also participated in the interaction.
The session gave local residents and young people an opportunity to ask questions about UK visas, overseas education and employment opportunities.
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The British delegation used the interaction to explain the risks associated with fraudulent visa agents and misleading promises made to prospective travellers.
Alba Smeriglio and Nagarkoti urged people to use verified sources of information before making decisions about studying or working in the UK.
They also advised young people and families to be careful when dealing with agents who promise quick or guaranteed results.
Officials highlighted common warning signs of visa fraud, including claims that an applicant is guaranteed a UK visa or a guaranteed job in Britain.
The ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign is being taken to educational institutions and local communities across Punjab and Haryana.
The campaign aims to help prospective students, workers and travellers understand the legal procedures for travelling to the UK and avoid fraudulent schemes.
Through direct engagement with communities, UK officials are encouraging people to check information carefully before paying agents or submitting visa applications.
As part of the awareness drive, the British High Commission is also encouraging prospective travellers to use its dedicated WhatsApp chatbot for information related to UK visas. The chatbot can be accessed at 91 70652 51380 and provides guidance on UK visa-related queries.
Officials said the campaign is aimed at helping people make informed decisions and choose legal and secure routes for overseas education and employment.
- PTC NEWS
