UK bans 1,632 Ghanaians for visa fraud

The United Kingdom has banned 1,632 Ghanaians for a visa for 10 years for using fraudulent means to acquire the document.

The 1,632 represented four per cent of the total applicants for a visa last year.

“In 2024, 1,632 applicants from Ghana used fraudulent means when applying for UK visit visas.

While that represents only four per cent of all Ghanaian applicants, it is still far too many people misled by agents into taking an action that resulted in a 10-year visa ban.

“Fraud is never worth the risk,” the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Christian Rogg, said when the High Commissions of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom in Ghana joined forces to launch a one-week public awareness campaign aimed at tackling the growing threat of visa fraud.

Misinformation

Visa fraud continues to affect many Ghanaians, with fraudulent agents and misinformation leading to financial loss, emotional distress, and long-term travel restrictions.

A joint statement issued by the three high commissioners said the initiative was part of a wider global effort led by UK Visas & Immigration, and supported by partner countries including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

“The campaign coincides with International Fraud Awareness Week ( November16–22, 2025) and seeks to educate the public on the dangers of visa scams, promote safe application practices, and encourage the use of official government channels,” it said.

The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, said Australia was proud to stand with its international partners to combat visa fraud.

“The Fighting Visa Fraud campaign sends a clear message — if you are applying for a visa, always use trusted, official sources and beware of anyone promising shortcuts or guaranteed results,” she said.

Safe

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, said Canada remained firmly committed to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration, and “we are taking decisive steps to stop fraudulent practices that put applicants at risk.

We are proud to collaborate on the “Fighting Visa Fraud Together” campaign with Australia and the United Kingdom, reflecting our shared commitment to protect applicants, strengthen the integrity of our immigration systems, and ensure that people have access to accurate, reliable and trustworthy information.”

The statement said the three countries were committed to protecting genuine applicants and ensuring that visa processes remained transparent, secure, and accessible to all Ghanaians.

“Throughout the campaign, the High Commissions will share educational content across social media platforms.

The public is encouraged to follow the campaign using the hashtag #AUSCANUKGH,” it emphasised.

Source: graphic.com.gh