NEW DELHI: The IGI Airport Police recently apprehended two Delhi-based agents involved in a fraudulent visa racket. The agents, Udaypal Singh (42) and Tajinder Singh (51), were arrested for providing counterfeit Poland visas to two passengers who were detained during immigration checks.

Background of the Case

On January 12, 2025, two Indian nationals, Saurav Kumar (25) and Sumit Kumar (27) from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, were deported from Dubai. They had attempted to travel to Poland via Dubai but were stopped at Dubai Airport due to suspicious visa documents. A detailed investigation upon their return to IGI Airport revealed that their Poland visas were fake.

How the Racket Worked

The two passengers had paid Rs 10 lakh to an agent named Paramjeet Singh to facilitate their travel and job placement in Poland. After Paramjeet Singh’s arrest, his interrogation led to the discovery of Udaypal Singh and Tajinder Singh as key figures in the scheme. Udaypal Singh, who owns a printing press, admitted to producing the fake visas. He is a repeat offender, having been arrested in 2024 for similar offenses. Tajinder Singh was instrumental in coordinating the operations of the racket.

The Bigger Picture: Visa Scams and Job Rackets

This case sheds light on a broader issue affecting many aspiring migrants. Fake visa rackets often target individuals desperate for overseas employment opportunities. Scammers exploit their vulnerability, promising lucrative jobs abroad in exchange for hefty fees. Victims often end up with fake documents, leading to deportation, financial loss, and emotional trauma.

Practical Advice to Avoid Visa Scams

• Verify Agents: Always use authorized agents who are registered with the appropriate government bodies. Check their credentials and history before making any payments.
• Cross-Check Documents: If you receive a visa or job offer, verify it through official embassy channels. Many embassies offer verification services to ensure your documents are legitimate.
• Avoid Large Cash Payments: Reputable agents often accept bank transfers, which are traceable, rather than cash transactions that leave no record.
• Research Employment Opportunities: Confirm job offers by contacting the employer directly. Legitimate companies will provide official offer letters and will not ask for recruitment fees.
• Understand the Visa Process: Familiarize yourself with the visa application process of the destination country. Embassies and consulates often provide detailed information on their official websites.

Government Initiatives and Legal Measures

The Indian government has taken several steps to curb such fraudulent activities. Measures include:

• eMigrate Portal: The eMigrate system helps Indian nationals verify overseas recruitment agents and jobs before making decisions.
• Awareness Campaigns: Regular awareness programs are conducted to educate job seekers on how to identify genuine opportunities.
• Strict Legal Actions: Individuals involved in such rackets face stringent legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines.

Consequences of Fake Visa Rackets

Victims of visa scams not only face financial loss but may also be barred from traveling internationally for a certain period. In some cases, they may be blacklisted by immigration authorities, making it difficult to secure genuine visas in the future.

What to Do If You Suspect a Visa Scam

If you suspect you are being targeted by a visa scam, take immediate action:

• Report the agent to local authorities.
• Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to travel to for verification.
• Seek legal assistance if needed.

Conclusion

The arrest of Udaypal Singh and Tajinder Singh is a reminder to job seekers to remain vigilant and conduct thorough research before engaging with agents for overseas opportunities. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can avoid falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.