A shocking case of visa fraud has once again put the spotlight on the growing menace of student migration scams in India. Authorities arrested a man at Mumbai International Airport on Monday while attempting to take seven youths from Punjab and Haryana to the United Kingdom under the guise of a student exchange program. The accused, who claimed to be a professor at a private university in Haryana, is suspected of using false information to obtain visas, according to reports by news agency PTI.
The Investigation Unfolds
The seven young individuals, including three minors, were initially detained but later released following court orders. Law enforcement officials are currently verifying whether the professor is genuinely affiliated with the Haryana-based university, as he presented an identity card whose authenticity remains under scrutiny.
An FIR was lodged at the Sahar police station before the case was transferred to the property cell for an in-depth investigation.
According to authorities, around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, two young men approached the immigration counter at Mumbai airport for routine verification. They carried UK visit visas and informed officials that they were students traveling with their professor for an exchange program. However, when questioned about their course of study and the London-based university they were supposed to visit, they failed to provide satisfactory answers.
This raised suspicions among immigration officials, prompting a deeper investigation. Soon after, five more individuals attempting to board the same flight with the so-called professor were identified and detained.
A Web of Deception
Upon further interrogation, the accused admitted he was following instructions from two colleagues who were vocation heads at the Haryana-based university. He also disclosed his meeting with an agent named Bittu at a Delhi hotel, where the seven youths had gathered before their journey.
According to police sources, Bittu had charged each individual Rs 20 lakh for securing their visas using fabricated details regarding a student exchange program. The professor escorted the group from Delhi to Mumbai, intending to board a flight to London via Jeddah. Authorities suspect the entire operation was a human trafficking scheme under the guise of student migration.
The Rising Trend of Student Visa Frauds
With the UK government tightening immigration regulations, cases of student migration scams have surged. Overseas education consultants have reported a sharp increase in students being misled by fraudulent agents promising easy access to foreign universities.
According to NatWest’s 2023 Student Living Index, a third of students in UK universities fell victim to criminal scams in 2022. Bournemouth recorded the highest rate, with 44% of students reporting fraud attempts, followed by Edinburgh and Oxford at 41%. Though the report does not provide country-wise data, it highlights the global nature of student-targeted scams.
UK’s Crackdown on Visa Fraud
To counter this growing menace, the UK government recently launched a campaign in India called ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ to educate Indian students and families about visa fraud. The initiative, introduced at Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, aims to safeguard individuals from financial losses and the risks associated with illegal migration.
As part of the campaign, a dedicated WhatsApp helpline (+91 70652 51380) has been set up to provide assistance in English and Punjabi. This helpline offers guidance on identifying scams and securing legal routes for migration to the UK.
The campaign also highlights the most common false promises made by fraudulent agents, including:
- Guaranteed jobs in the UK
- No requirement for English-language tests (IELTS)
- Excessive or hidden fees
Consequences of Visa Fraud
Engaging in visa fraud not only leads to financial losses but also leaves individuals vulnerable to exploitation and legal consequences. Those caught committing fraud risk a 10-year ban from entering the UK.
The UK and India, under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement, have pledged to combat irregular migration together. British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Christina Scott, stated, “The opportunity to visit, study, and work in the UK has never been greater… However, young people’s dreams are being exploited… That’s why we are launching this campaign.”
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