A visa applicant, who allegedly submitted forged documents to obtain one, was handed over to police by the UK Visas and Immigration wing authorities. Besides being referred for police action, the applicant has been imposed with a 10-year travel ban to Britain.
The man, a native of Tiruchy district, submitted forged documents about his financial position, said a statement from the British Deputy High Commission here on Monday.
Preliminary inquiries had revealed that the applicant had paid Rs 2 lakh to an agent who, in turn, provided him fake documents to avail of a UK visa.
“We welcome genuine visitors, students and workers to the UK. I strongly advise anyone who wants a visa for the UK not to listen to agents who offer to sell forged documents or say that they can guarantee a visa,” said Thomas Greig, Regional Director Central Asia, South Asia and Turkey, UK Visas & Immigration.
However, the Thousand Lights Police, to whom the applicant was handed over, let him off after a stern warning considering his financial position.
“The case was referred to us about five days ago. The man was illiterate and had been misguided by an agent. He was unaware that the documents were forged,” said a police official.