UK Launches Visa Fraud Awareness Campaign to Protect Indian Travellers in Haryana from Scams and Irregular Migration

The United Kingdom has taken a major step to protect Indian citizens from the rising threat of visa fraud by rolling out its “Visa Fraud Se Bache” campaign in Haryana.

Launched today, 26 February, this initiative aims to shield prospective travellers from the financial, emotional, and physical dangers that come with scams and irregular migration.

The campaign was formally unveiled in Sonipat, 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.

Targeting the districts of Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal, and Kurukshetra, the campaign will work closely with the state government to ensure maximum outreach.

How the Campaign Helps Travellers

At the heart of the initiative is a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot (+91 70652 51380) that provides guidance in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Punjabi, and Tamil.

Prospective UK travellers are urged to verify all information and remain cautious against common visa scams.

Typical warning signs of fraud include promises of guaranteed visas, assured UK employment, claims that English proficiency tests like IELTS are unnecessary, and requests for excessively high fees.

The campaign aims to educate citizens about these red flags and empower them to make safe decisions.

UK Officials Highlight the Importance of the Campaign

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, stressed the significance of expanding the programme to Haryana.

She said it reflects the UK’s dedication to giving applicants reliable guidance, making clear that trustworthy help is always available.

Cameron emphasized that no one should fall prey to individuals exploiting the dream of studying or working abroad.

Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, highlighted the collaborative approach between the UK and India.

She underlined that preventing exploitation and irregular migration is a shared priority, and tools like the Hindi-enabled WhatsApp chatbot are instrumental in helping residents of Haryana identify and avoid scams.

The campaign also enjoys strong backing from Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Saini.

Consequences of Visa Fraud

Visa fraud is not just a financial risk; it can have severe personal consequences.

Victims often incur significant debt and may face threats to their physical safety.

Individuals found engaging in fraudulent activities risk being banned from entering the UK for ten years.

This campaign forms part of broader efforts under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement between India and the UK, which seeks to address irregular migration.

By extending this outreach to Haryana, the UK aims to reinforce its commitment to tackling scams and promoting safe migration pathways.

The Campaign’s Track Record So Far

The “Visa Fraud Se Bache” initiative first launched as a pilot in Punjab in February 2025.

It later expanded to Tamil Nadu in December 2025. Since then, the WhatsApp chatbot has sent over 30,000 messages guiding individuals to accurate visa application information via the official Visas and Immigration website (GOV.UK).

With Haryana now onboard, authorities hope to reach even more residents, helping them navigate the visa process safely and avoid fraudulent schemes that could have long-lasting consequences.

What’s Next?

The UK plans to continue expanding the campaign to additional Indian states in the future, reinforcing its educational and preventive measures.

Outreach efforts will include in-person engagements, informational sessions, and wider promotion of the WhatsApp chatbot.

Authorities are also exploring new features to make the platform more interactive and accessible, helping more prospective travellers stay informed and protected.

Summary

The UK’s “Visa Fraud Se Bache” campaign has arrived in Haryana, aiming to protect residents from visa scams and irregular migration.

Launched in Sonipat with government support, it uses a multilingual WhatsApp chatbot and local outreach to warn against common fraud tactics.

Past pilots in Punjab and Tamil Nadu have already sent over 30,000 messages guiding users to verified visa information.

With strong cooperation from both the UK and Haryana governments, the initiative emphasizes safe, informed travel while highlighting the severe consequences of fraud.