UK and India Launch Campaign Against Visa Fraud in Tamil Nadu
A new collaborative initiative between the UK and India aims to combat visa fraud and reduce illegal migration. The campaign was unveiled during the visit of UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Seema Malhotra, to India, where she engaged with local authorities on measures designed to safeguard individuals against scams and exploitation.
Campaign Details
The visa fraud awareness campaign, targeting residents of Tamil Nadu, will feature a Tamil-language WhatsApp chatbot along with community engagement sessions. These resources are intended to help individuals identify fraudulent schemes and gain access to reliable visa information. This new effort follows the success of a pilot programme already taking place in Punjab.
Minister Malhotra’s Remarks
During the campaign launch, Minister Malhotra emphasised the importance of having accessible, trustworthy information related to visa applications. She noted:
“You will see the WhatsApp number for our new bespoke chatbot. Information that can be readily available when needed, from authoritative UK visa department resources, so that people can access the right information and identify the warning signs of visa fraudsters.”
Furthermore, she urged potential migrants to remain vigilant, stating:
“We want the message to be clear: please stay safe. Don’t risk your dreams or your savings. Protect yourself from those criminals behind visa fraud.”
Partnership for Safety
This campaign epitomises the continuous collaboration between the UK and India, aimed at enhancing the security of vulnerable individuals and fortifying border protection. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives outlined in the UK–India Vision 2035, which reinforces commitments to address exploitation by criminal networks.
Accessing the Chatbot
The WhatsApp chatbot, part of this initiative, can be accessed through a provided QR code or directly via the number +91 70652 51380. This technology aims to empower individuals with the knowledge necessary to safeguard against potential scams.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-expands-visa-fraud-campaign-in-india-to-tackle-illegal-migration
