Abuja – Three major destination countries for Nigerian travellers have begun a coordinated campaign to curb the growing wave of visa fraud targeting applicants. The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have introduced a joint public-awareness effort tagged #FightingVisaFraud, aimed at exposing criminal schemes that promise false immigration opportunities.
The campaign highlights a surge in fraudulent practices, including fake job offers, supposed “guaranteed” visas and paid fast-track services that are not recognised by any official immigration authority. According to the participating countries, these schemes frequently result in visa refusals, significant financial losses and long-term travel restrictions. In some instances, victims are pushed into exploitative conditions tied to human trafficking.
Messages shared through the campaign will appear across the social media platforms of the three governments, offering practical guidance, credible information sources and clear warnings to potential applicants.
In a statement released in Abuja, the British High Commission warned that any individual found to be involved in visa fraud, either by submitting false documents or engaging unlicensed agents, risks a travel ban of up to ten years. The High Commission stressed that genuine applications must be supported only by authentic documents and verified information.
Authorities are urging Nigerians to rely solely on official government websites and channels for visa requirements and application guidelines. For the United Kingdom, applicants are directed to the gov.uk portal, while Canada.ca remains the recognised source for Canadian immigration services. Individuals who suspect fraudulent UK visa activity have been encouraged to file reports with Action Fraud, the United Kingdom’s national fraud-reporting centre.
The campaign underscores a shared commitment by the three nations to protect prospective travellers, ensure the integrity of their immigration systems and reduce the exploitation of unsuspecting applicants by organised criminal groups.
