Don’t miss the latest developments in business and finance.

Only genuine visitors are welcome: Immigration heads

Image
Press Trust of India Chandigarh
Last Updated : Jan 24 2013 | 1:49 AM IST

Their appeal came in the wake of reports that several Punjab-based prospective visitors and immigrants. Especially those living in rural areas, were being misled by unscrupulous agents in getting them visas to visit these countries.

"We welcome genuine visitors, students and workers to the UK. However, we will not tolerate abuse of our immigration system and have zero-tolerance towards (immigration) fraud," UK Border Agency, Regional Director (South Asia), Thomas Greig told reporters here.

"Crooked immigration agents often advise applicants to provide fake documents or enter into marriage of convenience," said Sidney Frank, Canada's Area Director for Immigration in South Asia.

"Do not be fooled. Your investment will be lost. You will be denied entry into Canada," he said.

Canada, the UK and Australia are favourite destinations for people of Punjab to visit as students or immigrants.

Though representatives of these countries expressed concern over immigration frauds in Punjab, they refused to divulge any information on number of cases relating to abuse of the immigration system.

"We generally do not publicise the numbers," said Jose Alvarez, Regional Director of the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. MORE

  

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 26 2012 | 6:35 PM IST

Next Story