UK Government Warns of Rising Visa Fraud in India

The UK government has issued a strong advisory to Indian nationals following a sharp rise in visa fraud cases targeting those seeking to travel, work, or study in Britain. The warning comes as authorities intensify efforts to curb illegal migration networks and protect genuine applicants from fraudulent agents operating across India.

According to UK officials, a growing number of scams involve fake job offers, forged documents, and false promises of guaranteed visas without English-language requirements or eligibility checks. These schemes often charge high fees and leave applicants financially and legally vulnerable.

To tackle the problem, the British High Commission has expanded its awareness initiative across India, urging applicants to rely only on official UK government channels. A WhatsApp helpline and multilingual chatbot have been introduced to help people verify visa information and identify red flags. The campaign also cautions that individuals found submitting fraudulent documents may face bans of up to 10 years from entering the UK.

The UK government said the initiative reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe and legal migration amid rising cases of fraud linked to unregulated agents. Authorities have urged Indian applicants to avoid shortcuts, seek verified guidance, and apply only through trusted platforms such as GOV.UK or authorized visa centres.