In a recent big fraud case that came to light in Gandhinagar’s Kudasan, a visa agent duped people of Rs 7.54 crore in the name of Canada PR and Visa. This case is not just about one person’s life, but it is a fraud committed with the hopes and dreams of many people. Such cases of fraud are on the rise, especially among those who are interested in obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) or Visa abroad.
Fraud for Canada PR
In this particular case, a person named Jignesh Patel had paid Rs 65 lakh to an agent named Ankit Patel to obtain Canada PR. But despite the passage of time, when his work was not done, he got suspicious and went to the agent’s office named Umiya Overseas. There he found 22 more people who had also paid lakhs of rupees for similar visa and PR services. It became clear that all of them had become victims of fraud.
Ankit Patel’s wife and father were also involved in this fraud, which makes the matter even more serious. There are many cases where family members also get involved in such activities, which makes it easier to take people into confidence.
Reasons for Visa and PR Fraud
Getting permanent residence (PR) or visa abroad is a big priority for many people in today’s time. People try to settle abroad in search of education, employment, and a better life. This is the reason why the number of agents committing fraud in the name of visa and PR is also increasing. Such agents take advantage of the needs of the people and their ignorance.
There can be many reasons for this type of fraud:
- Lack of information: Most people do not have complete information about the visa and PR process, due to which they become victims of fraud.
- Easy offers: Many agents lure people by promising to get visa or PR easily and charge a huge amount in return.
- Complexity of the process: The visa and PR process is complex and it is difficult for the common man to understand it. Agents take advantage of this.
- Haste and lack of patience: People do not follow the proper procedure and take the wrong path in their hurry to go abroad.
Ways to avoid fraud
Credible organizations like Immigration Times and Immigration Bazaar have been constantly telling people the ways to avoid visa and PR fraud. Despite this, many people are still falling prey to these frauds. Here are some tips to avoid this type of fraud:
- Choose a reliable agent: Always work with certified and reliable agents. Check the credentials of the agent and read reviews of the organizations associated with him.
- Be aware of the process: Get information about the entire visa and PR process. Study about the visa and PR processes on the Internet or from the respective government websites.
- Check all documents: Read any document carefully before signing it and confirm its authenticity. In case of fake documents, you may also face legal action.
- Take care of financial transactions: Assess the progress of the work of any agent before giving him a large amount of money. Immediately inform the concerned authorities on any suspicious activity.
- Contact other victims: If you become a victim of any fraud, contact other victims and take legal action together. This will strengthen your case.
Increasing cases of visa and PR fraud in India
Cases of visa and PR fraud are increasing rapidly in India. It is becoming a serious problem, especially for those who want to go abroad in search of a better future. These cases of fraud not only cause financial loss to people but also shatter their dreams.
Many such cases have been reported in India, especially in Punjab, Gujarat, and other states. A large number of people from these states try to settle abroad, and this is why visa fraud cases are more common here.
Legal action against visa fraud
Indian law has strict provisions against visa and PR fraud. Under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), strict action can be taken against agents committing this type of fraud.
Under section 420, a person committing fraud can be sentenced to up to seven years. Apart from this, there is also a provision of punishment for the crime of making and using fake documents under sections 468 and 471.
Role of government and agencies
The government and related agencies also have an important role in dealing with this type of fraud. The government should keep a strict eye on such cases and make citizens aware from time to time.
The Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the local police and investigating agencies should also play an active role in these matters. Also, cases related to visa and PR fraud should be reported and prompt action should be taken on them.
Dream of settling abroad: precautions and preparations
It is not wrong to dream of settling abroad, but proper precautions and preparations are necessary to make this dream come true. Understand the visa and PR process thoroughly and be patient. Do not fall for the words of any agent, and take every step thoughtfully.
To settle abroad, first you have to decide which country you want to settle in. After this, understand the visa and PR process of that country and prepare accordingly.
Conclusion
The case of visa and PR fraud in Kudasan, Gandhinagar shows how serious this type of fraud can be. Along with losing lakhs of rupees, people’s dreams also get shattered. To avoid such cases, awareness, caution, and correct information are very important.
Organizations like Immigration Times and Immigration Bazaar are playing an important role in this direction, but ultimately the person himself has to be cautious. The dream of settling abroad can be realized only when you move forward with the right information and the right decision.
