Beware of unscrupulous agents, HC tells UK visa applicants

Rasika Somarathna

The British High Commission in Colombo yesterday advised UK visa applicants to be careful about unscrupulous agents.

The UK Border Agency advised prospective UK visa applicants of the dangers of being misled by unscrupulous agents. It also warned the same agents that it will take action against them, a British High Commission media release said. The High Commission quoting UK Border Agency’s regional director, Thomas Greig 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.

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.”

Greig added: “We have very effective processes for detecting fraud and work with our international partners and Sri Lankan authorities to do so.

When we uncover fraud, including false bank statements, education and language certificates, we will refuse the visa and the applicant will face a 10 - year ban on travelling to the UK, as well as possible action by the Sri Lankan authorities. We will report agents involved in fraud to the police.”

The British High Commission in Colombo said to avoid being duped, applicants should bear in mind the following: They are; an applicant do not need to use an agent to make a UK visa application. All information required, and the UK visa application form, are available free of charge on the following official UK Border Agency and VFS Global websites: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov..uk and www.vfs-uk-lk.com

“The UK Border Agency does not endorse any agents in Sri Lanka, nor does it have a list of preferred agents. Anyone who 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 release said. It added: “The UK Border Agency has sophisticated document verification procedures. It is important to complete visa application fully and honestly. The UK Border Agency collects biometric data (finger scans and digital photographs) as part of the visa application process. Authorities know if applied for a UK visa anywhere in the world and in any identity. The UK Border Agency also works closely with other countries to detect and take action against fraud in visa processes.

“ Do not believe agents who say that they can, in exchange for money, influence how fast applications are processed or the final decision.

“They cannot. Visa decisions are made only by visa officers who work for the UK Border Agency. “Since October 10, 2012, agents are no longer permitted to collect documents at the end of the visa process. Applicants can track the progress of his or her application to know when documents are ready for collection. Applicants can also pay a small fee to receive an automated SMS on the progress of their applications. Further information is available at www.vfs-uk-lk.com

“Do not be fooled by imposters pretending to be officers from the UK Border Agency or the British High Commission in Colombo.. Legitimate visa officers do not meet applicants outside their offices nor do they contact you to ask for money. Do not be fooled by fake websites designed to look like official government or VFS websites.

Always obtain your visa information from official websites www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk and www.vfs-uk-lk.com. If you have information that someone has abused the UK visa process or intends to do so, or has helped someone else to do this, contact the UK Border Agency at the following email address: [email protected]. Provide as much information as possible, including the contact details for the person concerned. The UK Border Agency will treat the information you provide in confidence and not disclose your details.”