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In November 2025, UK Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra launched targeted awareness campaigns in high-risk regions, including Punjab, alongside a Tamil-language WhatsApp chatbot to help Indian nationals identify and avoid visa scams, reinforcing the government’s push to curb fraud and protect migrants
An alleged UK-based visa fraud racket has once again put the spotlight on the misuse of Britain’s work visa system, with migrants reportedly being charged up to £19,000 (around Rs 23 lakh) for fraudulent permits. An undercover investigation has revealed how social media platforms and fake documentation were allegedly used to exploit loopholes in the UK’s immigration framework.
The allegations centre on Komal Shinde, an Indian-origin woman reportedly operating from the UK and linked to a firm named Krishiv Consultancy Ltd. According to an investigation cited by the Daily Mail, Shinde is accused of offering fake Skilled Worker visas backed by fabricated job offers, forged employment records and falsified payroll transactions. These documents were allegedly designed to help migrants enter or remain in the UK unlawfully.
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Undercover reporters posing as visa applicants reportedly met Shinde, who claimed she was in the UK on a student visa
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During these meetings, she allegedly said she could arrange Skilled Worker visas tied to roles in care homes, warehouses and fast-food outlets across Britain, despite lacking authorisation to sponsor foreign workers
Applicants were allegedly charged between £12,000 and £19,000 per visa. Migrants were reportedly told they would not be required to perform the job mentioned on their sponsorship certificate. Instead, a salary would be deposited into their bank accounts and then returned in cash, creating a false financial trail intended to satisfy Home Office checks.
Investigators claimed this system was used to mislead authorities into believing migrants were legally employed. Shinde reportedly said she earned around £1,000 per visa, with the remaining amount shared among employers involved in the arrangement. Clients were allegedly advised to keep the process confidential to avoid detection.
The investigation also raised concerns about claims involving the UK’s Global Talent visa, meant for individuals with exceptional achievements in areas such as science, technology and the arts. These visas were allegedly offered for as much as £30,000, with assurances that experience letters and supporting documents could be fabricated.
The revelations come amid growing political scrutiny over the Skilled Worker visa route. A recent UK parliamentary report described “widespread” abuse of the system and noted the absence of reliable data on overstaying or illegal employment among the estimated 1.2 million entrants under this route.
Following the investigation, the UK Home Office confirmed that inquiries had been launched and warned that immigration offenders would face the full force of the law. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the allegations as “shocking” and called for tighter enforcement.
