UAE Detects Fake UK Visas in Sharjah on flight from Lahore.
Pakistan Launches New Digital Crackdown on Travel Document Fraud
LAHORE / DUBAI — December 6, 2025
UAE immigration authorities at Sharjah Airport have stopped five Pakistani travellers attempting to transit to the United Kingdom on fake UK visas, prompting fresh calls for stronger document checks and safer, legal travel routes. The passengers were immediately deported to Lahore, where Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested them and opened a visa-fraud investigation.
The travellers had flown from Lahore to Malaysia earlier this year before trying to continue their journey to the UK using counterfeit British visas allegedly purchased through private “agents.” UAE officers flagged the documents during routine UK-bound transit checks — part of an increasingly sophisticated screening system used across Gulf airports.
UAE’s fast detection highlights rising risks for travellers using forged UK visas
Sharjah immigration has become one of the most active transit checkpoints for UK Visit Visa travellers. Using upgraded verification tools, officers quickly identified inconsistencies in the passengers’ British visas and denied them further travel.
Cases like this highlight how easy it is for passengers to be caught — and deported — when relying on forged or agent-supplied documents.
Pakistan responds with upgraded digital screening and anti-smuggling reforms
Following the deportations, the FIA took the five men into custody and transferred them to its Anti-Human Smuggling Circle in Lahore. Authorities say the case fits a growing pattern of individuals tricked into buying fake UK visas after being promised work or entry abroad.
The Pakistani government has recently announced major reforms to prevent such cases, including:
AI-assisted travel-risk screening to flag suspicious UK or Europe-bound itineraries
New electronic document scanners at airports
Stronger action against illegal visa agents who sell forged UK visas
Real-time coordination with UAE and Malaysian immigration systems
Officials say these upgrades aim to protect genuine travellers and stop criminal networks using Malaysia, the UAE and other hubs for UK visa fraud.
Why fake UK visa scams are increasing
Demand for a UK Visit Visa remains extremely high, and many travellers turn to unlicensed agents promising shortcuts, guaranteed approvals or access to “special connections.” These promises are false — and often lead to arrest, deportation or travel bans.
Common red flags include:
“Guaranteed UK visa approval”
Offers of jobs without proper sponsorship
Requests for payment before any official application
Agents refusing to provide VFS / TLS appointment confirmations
Claims of “special UK contacts” at embassies
AskVisas advice: How to avoid UK visa fraud and travel safely
To stay safe and avoid scams:
Apply only through official UK Visa & Immigration channels
Never buy a UK visa — UK visas cannot be purchased
Check your documents using official guidance
Use legitimate, transparent visa support services
Avoid agents who promise guaranteed results
If you are unsure whether your visa is genuine or have been approached by an agent offering shortcuts, AskVisas can provide free guidance by WhatsApp and email.
The Sharjah deportation case remains under investigation, with FIA officers tracking the intermediaries who supplied the forged UK visas.