UK govt launches ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign in Punjab | Chandigarh News
Jalandhar: At a time when US has been deporting illegal immigrants in military planes, the UK govt has launched ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ (Save yourself from visa fraud) campaign aiming to protect Indian citizens from physical, financial, and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migration.
The campaign helps identify common scam tactics and provides access to official guidance for those seeking legal routes to travel to the UK and includes a dedicated WhatsApp support line (+91 70652 51380) available in English and Punjabi.
British high commission officials launched the campaign at a function at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in the presence of university chancellor and Rajya Sabha member Ashok Mittal.
Christina Scott, British deputy high commissioner to India, said: “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 people’s dreams are being exploited, and too many are becoming victims of visa fraud. That’s why we are launching the campaign. It seeks to raise awareness of risks and help people to check the facts on safe and legal routes to the UK.”
Caroline Rowett, British deputy high commissioner, Chandigarh, said: “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. We urge people to spread the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ message and help protect individuals from falling victim to fraudulent agents.”
During this campaign, outreach activities will be conducted in and around Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Chandigarh to make people aware of potential scams while applying for visas.
A person found committing visa fraud can receive a 10-year ban on travel to the UK.
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