British High Commission urges caution as UK enforces 10-year ban for visa fraud

Applicants are advised to use official channels and report suspicious offers

The British High Commission in Dhaka has issued a warning over visa fraud, advising applicants to rely only on official sources and verified information.

In a media statement on Tuesday, it said anyone caught attempting visa fraud could face a 10-year travel ban.

Quoting British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, the statement said: “Visa fraud destroys dreams and devastates families. Criminal facilitators prey on people’s aspirations for a better life, stealing their money, and putting them at risk of serious harm.

“Our message is clear: use only official channels, verify all advice, and report suspicious activity.”

“The UK welcomes legitimate visa applications through proper routes – but those who attempt fraud face serious consequences, including 10-year travel bans,” it added.

The High Commission said it has launched a campaign to tackle visa fraud and protect applicants from “serious exploitation by fraudulent immigration facilitators”.

Fraudulent activities perpetrated by criminals and scammers cost victims millions of pounds annually and put vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, financial ruin and legal consequences, in Bangladesh and across the world, it added.

As per the press note, visa fraud and illegal immigration facilitation have reached alarming levels globally, with criminal networks using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive prospective visa applicants.

“Victims are often promised guaranteed visas, jobs without proper qualifications, or expedited processing in exchange for exorbitant fees,” it read. “The reality is financial loss, visa refusals, travel bans and, in the worst cases, trafficking and exploitation.”

For accurate visa guidance, applicants are instructed to use www.gov.uk.