The British High Commission has extended its visa fraud crackdown to Haryana’s Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal, and Kurukshetra districts, cautioning applicants against misleading offers such as “no IELTS” visa schemes.
The British High Commission launched an anti-visa fraud awareness campaign in Haryana on 27 February 2026, focusing on four key districts to safeguard Indian nationals from immigration scams. This initiative represents the third state covered by the programme, following similar drives in Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
The campaign was inaugurated in Sonipat, with Haryana Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Gaurav Gautam and Simon Ridley, Acting Permanent Secretary at the UK Home Office, present at the launch.
UK Visa Fraud Campaign Targets 4 Haryana Districts
The initiative will concentrate on the districts of Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal and Kurukshetra in coordination with the state government. UK teams will carry out awareness and outreach activities in these regions to alert residents about common visa fraud and scam practices.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 27 February 2026 |
| Target Districts | Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra |
| Previous States | Punjab, Tamil Nadu |
| Penalty for Fraud | 10-year UK travel ban |
According to the British High Commission, visa fraud can result in significant financial debt as well as exposure to physical harm and exploitation. The campaign is being conducted under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement between the United Kingdom and India to address irregular migration.
Common UK Visa Scams Identified in Haryana
The British High Commission has highlighted several common fraudulent claims that often target prospective travellers to the United Kingdom:
- Assuring guaranteed visa approval and employment in the UK
- Claiming that English-language tests such as IELTS are not required
- Charging excessively high fees for visa-related services
- Providing misleading information about immigration procedures
Indian travellers are advised to verify all UK visa details through official and trusted sources. For complete guidance on requirements and application processes, refer to the detailed UK Visa Guide before initiating any application.
Official Verification Channels for UK Visa Information
The British High Commission offers a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot at +91 70652 51380 to help travelers verify information and remain alert to visa fraud, enabling them to distinguish genuine processes from scams.
Lindy Cameron highlighted the importance of relying on verified channels, noting that the campaign’s rollout in Haryana reflects the UK’s commitment to providing accurate guidance to prospective travelers.
Use our Document Checklist to ensure all required paperwork is in place for legitimate UK visa applications and to avoid document-related scams.
Alba Smeriglio in Chandigarh added that preventing exploitation and irregular migration remains a shared priority for the United Kingdom and India.
Source: British High Commission, India
FAQ
Q: Which Haryana districts are included in the UK anti-fraud campaign?
A: The initiative covers the districts of Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal, and Kurukshetra, implemented in coordination with the Haryana state government.
Q: What are the typical visa fraud claims to be cautious about?
A: Watch out for scams that promise guaranteed UK visas or jobs, claim no IELTS requirement, or demand unusually high fees for visa services.
Q: What are the consequences of being caught committing UK visa fraud?
A: Individuals found guilty of visa fraud may face a travel ban of up to 10 years, along with significant physical, financial, and emotional risks.
Q: How can I verify UK visa information and avoid scams?
A: You can confirm details through the official WhatsApp chatbot at +91 70652 51380 or rely only on verified updates from the British High Commission.
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