After Punjab and Tamil Nadu, the UK initiated the ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ campaign in Haryana to safeguard Indian nationals from visa fraud and irregular migration risks. The campaign, unveiled in Sonipat, aims to protect individuals from physical, financial, and emotional vulnerabilities associated with visa scams. Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Gaurav Gautam and UK Home Office Acting Permanent Secretary Simon Ridley graced the launch event.
The campaign will concentrate on Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal, and Kurukshetra districts in collaboration with the state government. It urges potential UK travelers to validate information and remain alert via a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot (+91 70652 51380). UK teams will conduct outreach activities in these regions, emphasizing the red flags of visa frauds.
As part of the program, the UK teams will educate the public on common fraudulent tactics, such as false promises of guaranteed visas and employment in the UK, misleading claims of no English-language test requirements like IELTS, and demands for excessive fees. Haryana becomes the third Indian state to witness the launch of this campaign, following its introduction in Punjab in February 2025 and later in Tamil Nadu in December 2025.
British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, emphasized that extending the ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ campaign to Haryana underscores the UK’s dedication to providing accurate information to potential travelers. She urged applicants to rely on verified sources like the WhatsApp chatbot for their safety. British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, Alba Smeriglio, highlighted the joint commitment of the UK and India in preventing exploitation and irregular migration.
