UK, Canada, Australia unveil campaign to tackle visa fraud

The diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have jointly launched a new international initiative aimed at combating visa fraud.

The missions warned that increasingly sophisticated criminal networks are exploiting vulnerable individuals seeking legitimate travel, study, or work opportunities.

The #FightingVisaFraud campaign, unveiled during International Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November), marked what officials described as an unprecedented level of cooperation among the three countries.

According to a joint statement issued on Monday, the initiative builds on the outcomes of the Five Country Ministerial and reflects a shared commitment to tackling a global problem that costs victims millions of dollars each year and exposes them to serious risks.

In the statement, the missions noted that fraudulent immigration facilitators continue to deceive applicants with false promises of guaranteed visas, unqualified job offers, and expedited processing for high fees.

Many victims face visa refusals, financial ruin, travel bans, and, in some cases, trafficking and exploitation.

“Our countries have identified common patterns of visa fraud affecting their immigration systems.

This coordinated campaign demonstrates the three countries’ commitment to protecting legitimate visa applicants while maintaining the integrity of their immigration systems and secure borders,” the statement said.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, warned that the human toll of these schemes is severe.

“Visa fraud destroys dreams and devastates families. Criminal facilitators prey on people’s legitimate aspirations for a better life, stealing their money and putting them at risk of serious harm.

“Through this joint campaign with our international partners, we are sending a clear message: 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,” Montgomery said in the statement.

Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio echoed the concern, stressing that the effort is rooted in shared values and longstanding cooperation.

Canada is committed to working with our international partners to combat visa fraud and protect people from exploitation.

This campaign reflects our shared values and determination to maintain fair, secure immigration systems while supporting those who seek to travel, study, or work through legitimate pathways,” the envoy said.

Officials from the three missions urged prospective applicants to rely only on official government websites, ensure that any immigration adviser is properly registered, and remain alert to warning signs such as exorbitant fees, pressure to pay quickly, or promises that attempt to bypass standard requirements.

“Be suspicious of guarantees,” the joint guidance stated. “No one can guarantee visa approval.”

The missions reiterated that consequences for visa fraud are severe. Applicants found using fraudulent means may face visa refusals, lengthy travel bans of up to 10 years, financial losses with no recovery mechanism, criminal charges in some jurisdictions, and heightened exposure to trafficking networks.

Immigration authorities across the three countries continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute offenders.

Legitimate information can be found on each country’s official website, including gov.uk for the United Kingdom and Canada.ca for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Suspected fraud in the UK can be reported through Action Fraud, the national fraud-reporting centre.

Campaign materials, including guidance and warning signs, will be available on the missions’ social media platforms.

The diplomatic missions emphasised that while the campaign is coordinated internationally, each country will manage its own implementation in line with national priorities.

Visa fraud has long been recognised by governments as a persistent challenge affecting immigration systems worldwide.

Countries including the UK, Canada, and Australia regularly warn the public about scams involving fake visa services, unlicensed agents, and misleading immigration advice.

These governments have issued repeated public notices cautioning applicants to rely only on official channels and to avoid individuals or organisations that promise guaranteed visas or faster processing for a fee.