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The UK Border Agency has warned prospective UK visa applicants of dangers of being misled by unscrupulous agents.
Thomas Greig, regional director for UK Border Agency, said: “We welcome genuine visitors, students and workers to the UK and are committed to ensuring the quality and availability of visa services for genuine applicants.
ABUSE OF SYSTEM
“We will, however, not tolerate abuse of the UK visa system and we have a zero tolerance of fraud. I strongly advise anyone who wants a visa for the UK not to listen to agents who offer to sell forged documents or say that they can guarantee a visa. We have very effective processes for detecting fraud and work with our international partners and Indian authorities to do so.
“When we uncover fraud, including false bank statements, education and language certificates, we will refuse the visa. The applicant will face a 10-year ban on travelling to the UK, as well as possible action by Indian authorities. We will report agents involved in fraud to the police,” Greig added.
OFFICIAL SITES
All information is available free of charge on the following official UK Border Agency and VFS Global (commercial partner) websites: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk and www.vfs-uk-in.com.
“If you wish to use an agent, choose one carefully and get the right advice. An agent should charge a reasonable fee. If you are cheated, report this to the police.”
The UK Border Agency has sophisticated document verification procedures. It collects biometric data as part of the visa application process.
Visa decisions are made only by visa officers who work for the UK Border Agency. Since 10 October 2012, agents are no longer permitted to collect documents at the end of the visa process.
SMS OPTION
One can track the progress of application to know when one’s documents are ready for collection, Greig said. One may also pay a small fee to receive an automated SMS on the progress of application. Further information is available at www.vfs-uk-in.com.
Legitimate visa officers do not meet applicants outside their offices nor do they ask for money. If one has information that someone has abused the visa process or intends to do so, or has helped someone else to do this, one may pass information to following e-mail addresses: Chennai: raumaa@fco.gov.uk; New Delhi: raudel@fco.gov.uk; Mumbai: ralon.mumbai@fco.gsi.gov.uk.
> vinson.kurian@thehindu.co.in
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