Nigerians attempting visa fraud risk 10-year travel bans — UK

•As UK, Canada, Australia launch joint campaign against visa fraud

THE British High Commission in Nigeria has said persons attempting visa fraud risked travel bans of up to 10 years.

In a statement yesterday, the high commission noted that visa fraud cost victims millions of pounds annually and exposed them to financial loss, legal trouble, and, in some cases, exploitation.

This comes as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia launched a joint campaign to combat visa fraud and protect Nigerians from fraudulent immigration facilitators.

The #FightingVisaFraud initiative was launched during International Fraud Awareness Week (November 16–22) and represents an unprecedented level of cooperation among the three countries to tackle a shared global threat.

The campaign comes amid rising concerns over visa fraud and illegal immigration facilitation, with criminal networks using sophisticated tactics to deceive prospective applicants.

Victims are often promised guaranteed visas, jobs without proper qualifications, or expedited processing in exchange for high fees.

In many cases, they face financial loss, visa refusals, travel bans, or even trafficking and exploitation.

Reacting to the campaign, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, said:  “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,’’ he said.

Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Pasquale Salvaggio, added that Canada was committed to working with international partners to protect people from exploitation, maintain fair and secure immigration systems, and support legitimate travelers.

The campaign urged prospective visa applicants to use only official government websites; verify that immigration advisers were properly registered; be suspicious of guarantees; watch for demands for excessive fees or pressure to pay quickly; and report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

According to the high commission, those attempting visa fraud risk visa application refusal, travel bans of up to 10 years, financial loss with no recourse, criminal charges, and increased risk of exploitation or trafficking.

The three countries’ immigration authorities will work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute offenders.