Face2News/Chandigarh
UK ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign has raised awareness of visa scam tactics in Punjab, helping protect people from exploitation, financial loss, and emotional distress. Campaign will continue with active partnership from local stakeholders.
Recognising the positive response to the UK Government’s ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign launched earlier this year, the British High Commission will be 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 the UK.
Information resources will be created and shared with local authorities and other trusted stakeholders working with the BHC 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 British High Commission have also organised two photo exhibitions at the Elante Mall on 6th August 1430-1700 and Sector 17 Underpass on 7th August 1630-1900 to meet with the local community, highlighting the risks of irregular migration and sharing guidance on how to avoid falling victim to visa fraud.
TIME LINE OF COMPAIGN
The Visa Fraud Ton Bacho campaign, launched in February this year, conducted awareness programmes on social media, posters as well as village level personal engagement in and around Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Chandigarh to make people aware of potential scams while applying for visas.
-As part of community outreach, UK Government teams hold discussions on visa application processes and associated cost. The teams also demonstrate how to use the WhatsApp chatbot and common fraud tactics.
-Engagements have been conducted successfully in rural areas of Punjab, involving village elders and women to spread awareness against visa frauds.
-Indian nationals now receive almost a quarter of all UK visas worldwide.-The WhatsApp chatbot is available in English and Punjabi language on +91 70652 51380.