The UK has launched the ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign to help protect Indian citizens from the physical, financial, and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migration. The campaign was launched at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in the presence of Founder Chancellor of LPU and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Ms. Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Ms. Caroline Rowett, Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro-Chancellor of LPU, Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor of LPU, Mr. Ben Pugsley, First Secretary of Justice and Home Affairs, and Amandeep Grewal, Deputy Head of Mission at Chandigarh.
The campaign includes a dedicated WhatsApp support line (+91 70652 51380) available in both English and Punjabi. The line helps identify common visa scam tactics and provides access to official guidance for those seeking legal routes to travel to the UK.
Alongside the WhatsApp line, the campaign will highlight the warning signs of visa scams. People will be advised to watch out for common false claims such as promises of jobs in the UK, no requirement for English-language tests (IELTS), and inflated fees.
Visa fraud leads to unacceptable and unnecessary levels of debt and puts individuals at risk of physical harm and exploitation. Anyone found committing visa fraud could face a 10-year ban on travel to the UK.
Under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, the UK and India are committed to addressing irregular migration. The campaign represents a further element of joint efforts to step up the fight against irregular migration and visa fraud.
Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissionerto India, stated: “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, the dreams of many young people are being exploited, with too many falling victim to visa fraud. That’s why we are launching the Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks and help people check the facts about safe and legal routes to the UK.”
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, commended the UK's "Visa Fraud Ton Bacho" initiative for addressing the growing issue of visa fraud in Punjab and India.
Dr. Mittal said, "LPU fully supports this noble cause and is committed to partnering with NGOs and student organizations to run an awareness campaign aimed at educating the nation, particularly rural villages, with limited access to information.
The goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge to identify fraudulent practices and promote legal, transparent migration pathways. Through workshops and interactive sessions, this initiative will guide students towards global opportunities in an ethical and safe manner."
Caroline Rowett, British Deputy High Commissionerin Chandigarh, added: “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.”