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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: British high commission launches Punjabi WhatsApp chatbot to prevent visa fraud
The British high commission on Wednesday unveiled a new QR code for its WhatsApp chatbot, making it easier for users to access official advice in a more accessible format, including in Punjabi. The chatbot offers UK government guidance on recognising common visa scam tactics and information on legal routes to travel to the UK. Daniel Sherry, political counsellor, British high commission, and (right) Amandeep Grewal, deputy head of mission, Chandigarh. (HT) The initiative—'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign—was launched in February this year to help prevent Indian citizens from falling victim to visa fraud and irregular migration. The British high commission will be working closely with Indian authorities and local stakeholders in the coming months to expand the campaign's reach across Punjab and Haryana. The WhatsApp chatbot is available in English and Punjabi language on +91 70652 51380. Information resources will be created and shared with local authorities and other trusted stakeholders working with the British high commission on tackling visa fraud. Daniel Sherry, political counsellor, British high commission, Amandeep Grewal, deputy head of mission, Chandigarh, were present on the occasion. '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,' Daniel Sherry said. The British High Commission organised a photo exhibition at Elante Mall on Wednesday and will hold another at the Sector 17 underpass on Thursday at 4.30 pm to providing guidance on avoiding visa fraud.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
UK steps up anti-visa fraud drive in Punjab, Haryana with chatbot
The British High Commission has expanded its 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign across Punjab and Haryana, launching a Punjabi-language WhatsApp chatbot and partnering with local authorities to raise awareness about visa scams and promote legal routes to the UK. The campaign, which began earlier this year in key areas of Punjab, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Chandigarh, uses social media, posters, and direct community engagement to warn people about common scam tactics. Recognising its early success, the British High Commission plans to deepen collaboration with Indian authorities and grassroots stakeholders over the coming months. Unveiling a new QR code that connects users to its WhatsApp chatbot, the UK government aims to make official guidance on identifying and avoiding visa fraud more accessible. The chatbot provides information in both Punjabi and English and can be reached via +91 70652 51380. '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,' said Daniel Sherry, political counsellor at the British High Commission. '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 in Chandigarh, added, '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.' To engage the public directly, the British High Commission has organised photo exhibitions at Elante Mall (August 6, 2:30–5:00 pm) and Sector 17 Underpass (August 7, 4:30–7:00 pm). These events aim to highlight the emotional and financial costs of irregular migration and inform visitors about legal alternatives. As part of the ongoing campaign, UK teams have held village-level meetings, particularly in rural Punjab, involving elders and women to spread awareness. Discussions cover the UK visa application process, associated costs, and how to identify fraudulent practices. According to British High Commission data, Indian nationals now receive nearly a quarter of all UK visas globally, making India one of the largest visa applicant pools.
The Print
5 days ago
- Business
- The Print
British High Commission extends campaign in Punjab, Haryana to raise awareness about visa fraud
The campaign will continue with active partnership from local stakeholders, a statement issued by the high commission said on Wednesday. UK 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign, launched in February this year, Indian citizens from the physical, financial and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migration. Chandigarh, Aug 6 (PTI) The British High Commission will be working with the Indian authorities and local stakeholders to extend the UK Government's campaign in a bid to raise awareness about visa scams in Punjab and Haryana over the coming months. Recognising the positive response to the campaign, 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 statement added. 'The UK today 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,' it said. Information resources will be created and shared with local authorities and other trusted stakeholders working with the commission on tackling visa fraud, with the aim of creating a network of partners in the fight against it. 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, he said. Deputy Head of Mission, Chandigarh, Amandeep Grewal 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,' she said. The campaign conducted awareness programmes on social media, posters along with village level personal engagement in and around Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Chandigarh to make people aware of potential scams while applying for visas. Engagements have been conducted successfully in rural areas of Punjab, involving village elders and women to spread awareness against visa frauds. PTI SUN OZ OZ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
