*The Diplomatic Missions of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia announce the launch of a coordinated global campaign against visa fraud, and protect consumers from exploitation by fraudulent immigration facilitators and criminal networks using increasingly 鈥榮ophisticated tactics鈥� to deceive prospective visa applicants worldwide

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Diplomatic Missions of the United Kingdom (UK), Canada and Australia have announced the launch of a coordinated international campaign, to combat visa fraud and protect consumers from exploitation by fraudulent immigration facilitators and criminal networks.

The three countries launched the #FightingVisaFraud campaign during International Fraud Awareness Week held November 16-22, 2025.

The British High Commission (BHC) Commissions Office disclosed this Monday, November 24, in a joint statement issued in Abuja, FCT.

The UK said the move by the country, Canada and Australia to combat visa fraud globally represented an unprecedented level of cooperation among them to tackle a shared global threat that costs victims millions of pounds annually and puts vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, financial ruin and legal consequences.

It is also observed that the countries share strong historical ties, common values and close cooperation on immigration and security matters.

The statement further noted that the current campaign builds on the outcomes of the Five Country Ministerial, and 鈥渄emonstrates our countries’ commitment to working together to address shared challenges while protecting vulnerable people.鈥�

The statement also indicated that visa fraud and illegal immigration facilitation have reached alarming levels globally, with criminal networks using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive prospective visa applicants.

It further stated that victims are often promised guaranteed visas, jobs without proper qualifications, or expedited processing in exchange for exorbitant fees. The reality is financial loss, visa refusals, travel bans and, in the worst cases, trafficking and exploitation.鈥�

They said: 鈥淥ur countries have identified common patterns of visa fraud affecting their immigration systems.

鈥淭his coordinated campaign demonstrates the three countries’ commitment to protecting legitimate visa applicants while maintaining the integrity of their immigration systems and secure borders.鈥�

鈥榁isa fraud destroys dreams and devastates families鈥�

Speaking on the development, Dr. Richard Montgomery British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: 鈥淰isa 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.

鈥淭hrough this joint campaign with our international partners, we are sending a clear message: use only official channels, verify all advice, and report suspicious activity.

鈥淭he UK welcomes legitimate visa applications through proper routes 鈥� but those who attempt fraud face serious consequences, including 10-year travel bans.鈥�

Likewise, Mr. Pasquale Salvaggio, Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, stated: “Canada is committed to working with our international partners to combat visa fraud and protect people from exploitation.

鈥淭his 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.”

What visa applicants need to do

According the joint statement, both the UK, Canada and Australia have urged prospective visa applicants to do the following:

Use only official government websites for visa information and applications

Verify immigration advisers are properly registered and regulated

Be suspicious of guarantees, no one can guarantee visa approval

Watch for warning signs including demands for excessive fees, pressure to pay quickly, promises of jobs without proper qualifications, or offers to bypass standard requirements

Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities

Such prospective visa applicants are equally encouraged to find 鈥渓egitimate information鈥�

United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration; and Canada: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – Canada.ca

On consequences of visa fraud

It is as well noted that applicants who attempt to obtain visas through fraudulent means face serious consequences, including visa application refusal, travel bans of up to 10 years, financial loss with no recourse, criminal charges in some jurisdictions, and exploitation and trafficking risks. The three countries’ immigration authorities work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute visa fraud and illegal facilitation.

If you suspect visa fraud or have been a victim: United Kingdom – Report online:聽 https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ – Action Fraud provides a fraud-reporting and advice centre for people and small businesses.

For detailed guidance on avoiding scams, as well as country-specific information about immigration requirements and processes, potential visa applicants are advised to refer to official government Web sites listed above.

As a coordinated campaign with each country managing its own implementation and communications in line with national contexts and priorities, the statement added that campaign materials, including warning signs of visa fraud and guidance for applicants, are available on the three countries鈥欌�� social media accounts.

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