Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ Illicit activities in South Asia have surfaced, revealing brokers exploiting the visa appointment system and charging exorbitant fees, reaching up to GBP 800, for services that should be free. This dubious trade is especially rampant in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, targeting unsuspecting students and workers. The situation appears most severe in Pakistan, with a significant increase in the abuse of the visa appointment system over the past year.
Rakesh Ranjan, South Asia coordinator for the Institute for Human Rights and Business, emphasized the magnitude of this issue, asserting that it contributes to the financial burden individuals bear when seeking entry into the UK. An investigation by ‘The Observer’ detailed instances where agents quoted prices, such as GBP 500, excluding government fees, to facilitate document arrangements and appointment bookings. Many individuals, lacking easy internet access, fall victim to these practices without realizing the unnecessary expenses.
For those planning an extended stay or short-term visits in the UK, a mandatory in-person appointment in their home country is required to provide fingerprints and a photograph. The illicit trade in visa appointments has led to a significant concern, particularly in Pakistan, prompting the UK Home Office and VFS Global, a consular services provider, to address the issue seriously.
VFS Global, responsible for services to 70 governments, including the UK, expressed a commitment to combating the abuse of the visa application appointment system. They emphasized the severity of the situation in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan, and encouraged customers to book appointments exclusively through their official website to avoid unauthorized agents.
The UK Home Office echoed these sentiments, asserting robust measures to counter the abuse of the visa appointment booking process by unauthorized agents in South Asia. This revelation sheds light on the urgent need to address such malpractices and protect individuals from unnecessary financial burdens associated with the visa application process.
