The diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia in Nigeria have launched a coordinated international campaign to combat the growing threat of visa fraud and protect applicants from exploitation.
Tagged #FightingVisaFraud, the initiative was unveiled in Abuja during International Fraud Awareness Week and represents an unprecedented level of cooperation among the three nations, which share long-standing ties and close collaboration on security and immigration matters.
The missions highlighted that visa fraud has reached alarming levels globally, driven by criminal networks employing sophisticated schemes to deceive people seeking legitimate travel, work, or study opportunities abroad.
Victims are often lured with promises of guaranteed visas, fast-tracked approvals, or fake jobs, only to suffer financial loss, visa refusals, long-term travel bans, or in extreme cases, human trafficking and exploitation.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, described visa fraud as a practice that “destroys dreams and devastates families,” warning that criminal facilitators target innocent aspirations.
He urged applicants to rely solely on official channels, verify immigration advice, and warned that attempting to secure visas through fraudulent means could lead to severe penalties, including bans of up to 10 years.
Canadian High Commissioner, Mr. Pasquale Salvaggio, stressed Canada’s commitment to protecting prospective travellers and maintaining the integrity of its immigration system.
He noted that the joint campaign reflects shared values among the three nations and their determination to ensure that only legitimate pathways are used.
The collaboration emerged after identifying common patterns of visa fraud across the three countries’ systems, prompting a united response to safeguard genuine applicants while keeping immigration processes fair and secure.
The missions advised all visa seekers to use official government websites, ensure immigration advisers are properly registered, and treat any claim of guaranteed approval with suspicion.
They highlighted warning signs such as excessive fees, pressure to pay quickly, offers to bypass standard requirements, or job promises that do not match qualifications.
Authorities in the UK, Canada, and Australia continue to work with law enforcement to trace and prosecute individuals involved in visa fraud and illegal facilitation.
Victims of such schemes often have limited recourse after losing large sums of money.
The missions encouraged anyone who suspects fraud or has been targeted to report to the relevant authorities, including Action Fraud in the UK, and to seek reliable information from official immigration website.
Campaign materials and guidance on identifying visa scams are being shared on the missions’ social media platforms to reach a wider audience across Nigeria.
While each country will manage implementation according to its national context, the diplomatic missions emphasised that cooperation will continue to protect vulnerable applicants and ensure that those abusing immigration systems face decisive action.
