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UK Launches 'Visa Fraud Se Bache' Campaign in Haryana to Combat Scams

Following launches in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, the United Kingdom has initiated its 'Visa Fraud Se Bache' campaign in Haryana to protect Indian nationals from scams. The campaign focuses on districts like Ambala and Karnal, utilizing a dedicated Hindi-enabled WhatsApp chatbot to provide verified information. It aims to educate people on warning signs, such as promises of guaranteed visas or jobs without English tests. UK officials emphasized the initiative as a shared priority with the Haryana government to ensure applicant safety and prevent exploitation.

Key Points: UK Visa Fraud Campaign Launches in Haryana, India

  • Targets visa fraud in Haryana districts
  • Uses WhatsApp chatbot for verification
  • Warns against false job & visa guarantees
  • UK-India shared priority to prevent exploitation
2 min read

After Punjab, Britain launches 'Visa Fraud Se Bache' campaign in Haryana

UK expands anti-visa fraud campaign to Haryana with a WhatsApp chatbot to protect Indian nationals from scams and irregular migration risks.

"We want every applicant to know that trustworthy guidance is available - Lindy Cameron"

Chandigarh, Feb 26

After Punjab and Tamil Nadu, the UK on Thursday launched the 'Visa Fraud Se Bache' campaign in Haryana to help protect Indian nationals from the physical, financial and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migration.

The campaign was launched at an event in Sonipat in the presence of Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Gaurav Gautam and UK Home Office Acting Permanent Secretary Simon Ridley.

It will focus on the districts of Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal, and Kurukshetra and in support and coordination with the state government.

The campaign encourages prospective travellers to the UK to verify information and stay vigilant through a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot (+91 70652 51380).

As part of the initiative, UK teams will be conducting outreach engagements in these areas and highlighting the warning signs of visa scams.

People will be advised to look out for common bogus claims, such as the promise of being guaranteed a visa and UK employment, being told there is no requirement for English-language tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and being asked to pay exorbitant fees.

Haryana is the third state in India where the campaign has been launched. The UK launched the first pilot project in Punjab in February 2025 and further expanded it to Tamil Nadu in December 2025.

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, said that the expansion of the 'Visa Fraud Se Bache' campaign to Haryana underscores the United Kingdom's commitment to ensuring that prospective travellers have access to accurate and authoritative information.

"We want every applicant to know that trustworthy guidance is available, that the UK values their aspirations and that no one should fall victim to those who exploit them. I encourage all those considering travel to the UK to rely solely on verified channels, including our WhatsApp chatbot, to ensure their safety and wellbeing."

British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, Alba Smeriglio, said that preventing exploitation and irregular migration remains a shared priority for the UK and India.

"With tools like our Hindi-enabled WhatsApp chatbot, the UK's Visa Fraud Se Bache campaign will help people in Haryana recognise and avoid visa scams. We thank the government of Haryana and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for their strong support and partnership."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While the campaign's intent is good, I hope it's not just a PR exercise. The real problem is the desperation for opportunities here. If we had better jobs and education in Haryana itself, fewer youth would be vulnerable to these scams. The UK should also look at making their visa process less complex and expensive.
M
Manish T
Good to see this being launched in Ambala, Karnal areas. My cousin was cheated by an agent in Kaithal last year. He paid for a "guanteed" work visa that never existed. The family is still recovering financially. Please spread awareness in villages too.
S
Sarah B
As someone who went through the UK student visa process legally, I appreciate this. The IELTS requirement is there for a reason - to ensure you can cope. Any agent saying you can bypass it is lying. Always use the official UKVI website.
A
Aryan P
The UK govt doing this is fine, but what is our own state government doing? They should be cracking down on these illegal agents operating openly. They have offices in every city. Prevention is good, but punishment for fraudsters is better.
K
Kavya N
A WhatsApp helpline is a smart idea, given how widely it's used here. Hope they can handle the volume of queries. Parents also need to be educated, as they often pool resources for their children's dreams and become targets.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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