London, UK: During her first official trip to India this week, UK Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra announced a new initiative to combat visa fraud in Tamil Nadu.

The program aims to curb illegal migration and safeguard Indian citizens from fraudulent visa agents. It follows the success of a pilot project in Punjab and marks the next phase of the UK’s targeted outreach efforts.

In Tamil Nadu, the campaign will focus on high-risk districts and introduce a Tamil-language WhatsApp chatbot. This tool is designed to help applicants confirm legitimate visa procedures and identify potential scams.

Authorities say the initiative is part of the UK–India Vision 2035 plan, which promotes joint actions to tackle criminal networks and minimise irregular migration.

Minister Malhotra emphasised the UK’s goal of preventing illegal migration at its source. She stated that campaigns targeting key areas help protect people while ensuring border security.

The Punjab pilot, launched earlier in 2024, employed digital platforms, community meetings, and a Punjabi-language WhatsApp chatbot to educate residents about fraudulent work-visa schemes. Local authorities and community groups played a vital role in sharing safe migration information and identifying scam operators.

Based on the positive response in Punjab, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has expanded the program to Tamil Nadu, where many potential migrants are still at risk from illegal recruitment networks.

This move aligns with broader UK efforts to limit illegal migration. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently introduced measures aimed at reducing asylum claims and penalizing individuals engaged in human trafficking.