The United Kingdom on Wednesday launched its ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ campaign in Haryana to protect Indian nationals from the financial, physical and emotional risks linked to visa fraud and irregular migration.
The campaign was launched at an event in Sonipat in the presence of Haryana Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Gaurav Gautam and UK Home Office Acting Permanent Secretary Simon Ridley. The initiative will focus on the districts of Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal and Kurukshetra, in coordination with the Haryana government.
The campaign urges people planning to travel to the UK to verify information and remain cautious. A dedicated WhatsApp chatbot (+91 70652 51380) has been set up to provide verified guidance. As part of the drive, UK officials will hold outreach programmes in the identified districts and highlight common warning signs of visa scams.
Authorities said people should be wary of false promises such as guaranteed visas or jobs in the UK, claims that English-language tests like the IELTS are not required and demands for unusually high fees. Haryana is the third state in India where the campaign has been rolled out, after Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said the expansion of the campaign reflects the UK’s commitment to ensuring that prospective travellers have access to accurate and reliable information. She said applicants should rely only on verified sources and official channels, including the WhatsApp chatbot, to avoid falling victim to fraud.
Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, said preventing exploitation and irregular migration is a shared priority for both the UK and India. She added that the Hindi-enabled chatbot will help people in Haryana identify and avoid visa scams. She also thanked the Haryana government and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for their support.
Officials said visa fraud often leaves victims burdened with heavy debt and exposes them to exploitation as well as physical risks. They warned that individuals found guilty of visa fraud can face a 10-year ban on travel to the UK.
Under the India-UK Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, both countries have committed to tackling irregular migration. The campaign is part of ongoing joint efforts to curb visa fraud and protect genuine applicants.
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