Special Chatbox on visa frauds showing results: British Deputy High Commissioner Rowett

A special Chatbox, allowing real-time communication with the British Embassy on potential frauds that people were facing while engaging with visa agents, is showing positive results, said the British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, Caroline Rowett, in an interaction with The Tribune here today.

She was referring to the results of the recently launched pilot project “Visa Fraud Ton Bacho” in Jalandhar.

Packing up for her new job assignment in “London to work on India” after her four-year tenure here, Rowett said, “Chatbox enquiries are being addressed directly by the British Embassy. Increasing our public contact, we have interacted directly with sarpanches and other community leaders on response from the ground to evaluate and improve our programme. Street plays involving youngsters deserve a special mention as part of the four-month-long programme.”

Indian nationals continue to receive the highest share of the UK visit and work visas. According to the latest UK Immigration Statistics for the year ending March 2025, Indian nationals received over 5,46,000 UK visit visas. This accounted for 25 per cent of all UK visit visas issued globally. Indians received over 95,000 sponsored study visas, representing the second largest group of international students, the Deputy High Commissioner said.

Speaking on voice by Khalistan supporters in England, she said, “We don’t tolerate violence and extremism. There have been certain protests in England by people demanding Khalistan. However, we always disrupt and counter violent, divisive ideologies – whatever they may be very seriously.”

Reflecting on working with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Chandigarh, during her stay here, Rowett said, “Certain important projects included the Centre of Excellence on Post Harvest Cold Chain management with Haryana, being a partner country for the Invest Punjab summit and a special book on 75 women from diverse fields to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s freedom.”

Replying to a question on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom (UK) and India, she said, “The agreement is a win-win deal for both the economies. This ambitious bilateral trade agreement for the UK after leaving the European Union (EU) is expected to increase by £ 25.5 billion every year in the long run. The agreement is expected to increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion each year.”

Punjab