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Key Points

The UK High Commission has successfully launched its 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign in Punjab to combat visa scams. By introducing an innovative WhatsApp chatbot in English and Punjabi, they're providing accessible guidance to potential migrants. The campaign focuses on protecting vulnerable individuals from financial and emotional exploitation through targeted awareness initiatives. Local stakeholders in Punjab and Haryana are actively partnering to expand the campaign's reach and effectiveness.

Key Points: UK Visa Fraud Ton Bacho Campaign Shields Punjab Migrants

  • UK launches targeted anti-visa fraud campaign in Punjab
  • WhatsApp chatbot provides real-time scam prevention guidance
  • Multilingual resources protect vulnerable migrants
  • Campaign expands across Punjab and Haryana regions
2 min read

'Visa Fraud' campaign success in Punjab, says UK High Commission

British High Commission launches innovative WhatsApp chatbot to protect Punjabis from visa scams, offering multilingual guidance and support.

"We are pleased to be continuing our Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign in Punjab - Daniel Sherry, Political Counsellor, British High Commission"

Chandigarh, Aug 6

The UK's 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign in Punjab has raised awareness of visa scam tactics, helping protect people from exploitation, financial loss, and emotional distress, the British High Commission said on Wednesday.

The campaign will continue with active partnership from local stakeholders.

The campaign was launched earlier this year with the High Commission working with the Indian authorities and local stakeholders to extend the campaign's reach further to areas of Punjab and Haryana over the coming months.

The UK on Wednesday unveiled a new QR code for its WhatsApp chatbot, making it easier to access advice in an accessible format, in Punjabi.

The chatbot provides official UK guidance on identifying common visa scam tactics as well as official guidance for those seeking legal routes to travel to Britain.

Information resources will be created and shared with local authorities and other trusted stakeholders working with the High Commission on tackling visa fraud, with the aim of creating a network of partners in the fight against visa fraud.

Daniel Sherry, Political Counsellor, British High Commission, said, "We are pleased to be continuing our Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign in Punjab, making it more accessible with the launch of our WhatsApp chatbot QR code. Working with partners in Chandigarh and Punjab, and with the government of India, we will continue to protect those vulnerable to visa fraud."

Amandeep Grewal, Deputy Head of Mission, Chandigarh, said, "We are grateful to our stakeholders for their strong support in making 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign a success. Our mission is clear -- to protect innocent people from visa fraud. As we expand this campaign across Punjab and Haryana, we will continue raising awareness and promoting safe, legal travel to the UK."

The WhatsApp chatbot is available in English and Punjabi on +91 706 52 5 1380.

The High Commission has also organised two photo exhibitions in Chandigarh to meet with the local community, highlighting the risks of irregular migration and sharing guidance on how to avoid falling victim to visa fraud.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good step but UK should also make legal immigration easier. The strict rules push people towards illegal means. Why not increase work visas for skilled Punjabis? 🤔
A
Aman W
Finally some action against these fraudsters! Every village in Punjab has 2-3 "agents" taking advantage of people's UK dreams. Hope they conduct raids next 👊
S
Sarah B
As someone who went through proper UK visa process, I appreciate this campaign. The fake agents create so much trouble for genuine applicants too by submitting fraudulent documents.
K
Kavya N
The photo exhibitions in Chandigarh are a great idea! Visual stories will connect more with people than just lectures. Hope they take this to villages too 🙏
V
Vikram M
While awareness is good, our state govt should also take strict action against these fraud agents. Many operate openly with political connections. #CleanUpPunjab
N
Nisha Z
Respectfully, this campaign feels like putting bandaid on bullet wound. The root problem is lack of opportunities in Punjab that forces youth to seek risky foreign routes. UK-India should create more legal job channels.

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