Free visa, UK job? Don't fall for that WhatsApp scam. Here's what you ACTUALLY need to work in UK

A new phishing scam seems to be making rounds on WhatsApp. A series of fraudulent messages seem to offer a job, visa, housing and free access to medical services in the United Kingdom (UK).

The message claims that the UK has 1,86,000 jobs and that the country needs 1,32,000 workers. The ‘program’ claims it will cover the applicant’s travel expenses, housing, accommodation and medical facilities.

The message reads:

UK GOVERNMENT JOB RECRUITMENT 2022

This is open to all Individuals who wants to work in UK, Here is a great chance for you all to work conveniently in the UK.

UK needs over 1,32,000 workers in 2022

Over 1,86,000 Jobs are open for applying

THE PROGRAM COVERS

Travel expense

Housing

Accommodation

Medical facilities.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must be 16 years or above

Can speak basic English

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM

Instant work permit

Visa application assistance

All nationalities can apply

100% open to all individuals and students who want to work and study

APPLY HERE

——————— (link here)

Exposed by Malwarebytes, when clicked on the link provided, the page read, “We are urgently looking for foreigners to apply for the thousands of jobs already available in the United Kingdom. This application is free and upon approval you will be given a work permit, visa, plane tickets and accommodation in the UK for free.”

After filling in the details that the page requires, users are told that they have been approved to work in the UK and that they need to invite their friends to join the ‘program’

While it is clear that this program is completely fake, here is what Indian citizens need to be employed in the UK:

1.  CHECK WHICH VISA YOU REQUIRE  

REQUIREMENTS: For a skilled worker visa (a replacement of the tier 2 work visa), you must have a job from a UK employer that’s been approved by the UK Home Office, possess a certificate of sponsorship from the employer, perform job that’s on UK Home Office list of eligible occupations and be paid a minimum salary.

You should also be able to speak, read, write and understand English and will have to provide proof of your knowledge.

APPLICATION PROCESS: The application process for a skilled worker visa takes place online and can be applied 3 months before your joining date. You would need to pay application fees, healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay and prove that you have the required amount of personal savings.

Your visa may last till 5 years before you would need to get it extended.

OTHER OPTIONS: If you don’t qualify for a skilled worker visa, you may apply for global talent visa, innovator visa, start-up visa, health and care worker visa or a short-term work visa.

2. PAY FOR THE NHS

Online immigration applicants must pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) while filing their visa application or when they book an appointment. After paying, they will receive an IHS number.

UK’s National Health Service is the country’s publically funded healthcare system. To access it, you must pay the IHS and their visa application must be approved.

3. GET A TUBERCULOSIS TEST

Indian citizens will need to take a tuberculosis test before arriving in the UK. If your test results are negative, you will be provided with a certificate with your negative test result. The certificate will be valid for 6 months and must be included with your visa application.

Once your visa is approved and you arrive in the UK, you would need to obtain your biometric residence permit (BRP) and a set of residence documents.

As for the WhatsApp phishing scam, the only way to avoid being conned is to ignore the WhatsApp message.