https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, June 6 (Alliance News): British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, on Saturday warned Pakistani citizens against falling victim to illegal migration agents who exploit vulnerable individuals with false promises of asylum, settlement and financial opportunities in the United Kingdom.
Speaking to a local media outlet, the British envoy stressed that individuals seeking visas, scholarships or asylum-related information should rely exclusively on official online application systems and legal channels.
She said unauthorized agents often mislead people into believing they can secure entry into the UK through unofficial means, resulting in financial losses and serious legal consequences for applicants.
Marriott expressed concern over the increasing number of Pakistani nationals applying for political asylum in the United Kingdom, noting that Pakistanis currently rank among the leading nationalities submitting such claims.
She observed that many applications appear to be driven by misinformation and unrealistic expectations created by illegal intermediaries rather than genuine eligibility under UK immigration and asylum laws.
The High Commissioner highlighted how fraudulent agents prey on vulnerable individuals by offering false assurances of settlement, employment and financial security in exchange for substantial sums of money.
According to her, these deceptive practices often leave applicants exposed to exploitation while undermining their prospects of pursuing legitimate travel and migration opportunities in the future.
She emphasized that the United Kingdom has established transparent and secure online systems for visa and immigration applications, allowing eligible individuals to apply directly without the involvement of unauthorized facilitators.
Genuine applicants, she said, should use these official channels to ensure their applications are processed fairly and lawfully.
Marriott warned that reliance on illegal migration networks not only results in financial hardship but can also lead to visa refusals, immigration complications and long-term restrictions on future travel.
She stressed that misinformation spread by unauthorized agents continues to be a major challenge and called for greater public awareness regarding safe and legal migration pathways.
The envoy said efforts are being strengthened to educate the public about the risks associated with illegal migration and the importance of following legitimate procedures.
She added that awareness campaigns and information-sharing initiatives are intended to help individuals make informed decisions and avoid becoming victims of fraudulent schemes.
Responding to a question about educational opportunities, Marriott noted that the United Kingdom has for many years offered fully funded scholarship programmes to talented students from Pakistan.
She said thousands of Pakistani students have successfully applied through official channels, pursued higher education in British institutions and returned home with valuable skills and knowledge.
According to the High Commissioner, many scholarship recipients have gone on to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s development in fields such as education, public service, business, healthcare and research.
She encouraged prospective students to explore these opportunities through authorized platforms rather than relying on agents who make unrealistic promises.
Marriott further underscored that the United Kingdom maintains strict laws against individuals and criminal networks involved in facilitating illegal migration or exploiting vulnerable people through fraudulent immigration schemes.
She said British authorities continue to take firm action against those engaged in such activities, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting individuals from exploitation and maintaining the integrity of its immigration system.
The British envoy concluded by urging Pakistanis seeking opportunities abroad to verify information carefully, use official government websites and application systems, and avoid individuals claiming they can guarantee visas, asylum status or settlement in exchange for money.
She reiterated that legal migration pathways remain available for those who meet the eligibility criteria and follow established procedures.
