Key Takeaways
• Seven men from Gujarat arrested at Mumbai airport in July 2025 for fake Schengen Employment Visas.
• Fake visas detected using ultraviolet light revealing missing security features and incorrect fonts.
• Travel agent Kisan in Gujarat allegedly provided counterfeit visas; investigation ongoing to dismantle network.
Seven men from Gujarat were arrested at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in July 2025 after they tried to travel to Luxembourg using fake Schengen Employment Visas. Their arrest followed deportation from Dubai, where immigration officials first noticed problems with their documents. This case highlights the growing problem of visa fraud in India, especially involving fake Schengen visas, and raises important questions about the safety and fairness of international travel for people seeking work in Europe.
What Happened at Mumbai Airport
The incident began when the seven men, all from different parts of Gujarat, flew to Dubai on tourist visas. Their plan was to continue to Luxembourg, a country in the Schengen Area, using what they believed were valid Schengen Employment Visas. However, Dubai immigration officers quickly noticed irregularities in their documents. The men were detained and then deported back to Mumbai.
When they landed at Mumbai’s busy international airport on July 11 and 12, 2025, immigration officer Vishnu Sawant checked their documents. He saw that Dubai authorities had already flagged the visas as suspicious. Using ultraviolet light—a tool that helps spot fake documents—Sawant and his team found that the visas were counterfeit. The fake visas were missing important security features, had faded colors, and used the wrong fonts. These are all signs that the documents were not issued by the real Luxembourg authorities.
How the Scam Worked
During questioning, the men admitted they had received the fake visas from a travel agent named Kisan, who is based in Gujarat. Kisan promised them that, with these documents, they could settle and work in any of the 29 Schengen countries without needing further permissions. The agent provided both fake tourist visas for Dubai and fake Schengen Employment Visas for Luxembourg.
The men involved in this case are:
– Kaushikkumar Patel (50), Gandhinagar
– Arthkumar Patel (25), Ahmedabad
– Maharshi Patel (21), Mehsana
– Prithvirajgiri Goswami (23), Mehsana
– Bhargav Joshi (33), Mehsana
– Krunalkumar Prajapati (25), Motera
– Mohammed Jed Husenkhan Pathan (26), Mehsana
All seven were taken into custody by the Sahar Police Station in Mumbai for further investigation. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) was also notified, as is standard in cases involving foreign travel and immigration violations.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Mumbai police are now searching for the agent Kisan, who is believed to have organized the fake visa scheme. They are also working to identify any other people involved in the network. The airline licensing agency confirmed that the Luxembourg authorities had not issued any visas to these men, making it clear that the documents were fake from the start.
Authorities are focusing on breaking up the network of agents and forgers who take advantage of people’s hopes to move abroad for better work opportunities. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these scams are becoming more common, especially in states like Gujarat, where many people dream of working in Europe.
Wider Problem of Fake Schengen Visas
This is not the first time Indian authorities have dealt with fake Schengen visas. In May 2025, police in Delhi arrested a man accused of arranging fake Schengen visas for young people from Punjab. In June 2025, a person from Kanyakumari was caught with a fake Schengen visa, but police struggled to find out who made the document.
These cases show that the problem is not limited to one region. Fake visa scams are happening across India, and the people behind them are often hard to catch. They use sophisticated methods to create documents that look real, making it difficult for even experienced officers to spot the fakes without special tools.
Why People Fall for These Scams
Many people in Gujarat and other parts of India want to move to Europe for better jobs and a higher standard of living. The Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries, is especially attractive because a visa for one country often allows travel to others in the group. This makes Schengen Employment Visas highly sought after.
Agents like Kisan take advantage of this desire. They promise easy access to Europe and quick employment, often charging large sums of money for their services. In reality, these agents provide fake documents that can lead to arrest, deportation, and a permanent ban from entering Schengen countries.
How Authorities Detect Fake Visas
Immigration officers use several methods to check if a visa is real. One of the most important tools is ultraviolet (UV) light, which can reveal hidden security features built into genuine visas. Officers also look for:
– Missing or incorrect security features
– Unusual colors or faded printing
– Fonts that do not match official documents
– Incorrect visa numbers or personal details
When officers find a fake visa, they report the case to the police and notify the FRRO. The person with the fake document is usually detained and questioned. If the visa is proven to be fake, the person can face criminal charges, including forgery and attempting to travel with false documents.
Legal and Personal Consequences
For the seven men from Gujarat, the consequences are serious. They were immediately deported from Dubai and then arrested in Mumbai. They now face legal action under Indian laws related to forgery and immigration fraud. If found guilty, they could face jail time, fines, and a permanent record that will make it almost impossible to travel abroad in the future.
Their families also suffer. Many families in Gujarat invest their savings to help relatives move abroad, hoping for a better future. When scams like this happen, families lose money and face social embarrassment. The dream of a better life in Europe turns into a nightmare.
Impact on Immigration Policy and Security
This case has important implications for both Indian and European authorities. It shows that current visa verification processes can be bypassed by skilled forgers and dishonest agents. As a result, both sides may need to improve their systems to prevent similar incidents.
Some possible steps include:
– Stricter checks at airports and border crossings
– Better training for immigration officers
– Use of advanced technology, such as biometric verification and digital databases
– Closer cooperation between Indian and Schengen country authorities
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Luxembourg Embassy in India are likely to review their procedures for visa issuance and verification. Schengen countries may also share more information with Indian authorities to help spot fake documents before people board flights.
For more information about Schengen visas and official requirements, readers can visit the Schengen Visa Information page.
Expert Opinions and Official Statements
Immigration experts stress the need for constant vigilance. One official at Mumbai airport, who asked not to be named, said, “We see more and more cases where people try to use fake documents. It’s our job to protect the borders, but we also feel sorry for those who are tricked by dishonest agents.”
Police officials say that tracking down the people behind these scams is difficult. The agents often use fake names, move frequently, and operate in secret. However, authorities are determined to break up these networks to protect honest travelers and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.
Experts also warn that visa scams can damage diplomatic relations between countries. When large numbers of fake visas are detected, Schengen countries may become stricter with all Indian applicants, making it harder for genuine travelers to get visas.
Advice for Prospective Migrants
For people in Gujarat and other parts of India who want to work in Europe, the most important advice is to avoid unauthorized agents. Only use official channels when applying for a Schengen Employment Visa. The process may take longer and require more paperwork, but it is the only safe and legal way to travel.
Here are some practical steps to follow:
– Check the official website of the country you want to visit for visa requirements
– Apply directly at the embassy or through an approved visa center
– Never hand over your passport or personal documents to an unknown agent
– Be wary of promises that sound too good to be true
– Report any suspicious offers to the police or embassy
If you are unsure about the process, you can contact the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the embassy of the country you wish to visit.
What’s Next for the Investigation
The Mumbai police and FRRO are continuing their investigation. They hope to arrest Kisan, the agent who provided the fake visas, and uncover the full network behind the scam. This may lead to more arrests in Gujarat and possibly other states.
Authorities are also considering new ways to prevent similar incidents in the future. These may include:
– Public awareness campaigns in Gujarat and other high-risk areas
– Workshops to educate people about the dangers of fake visas
– Stricter rules for travel agents and visa consultants
– Better sharing of information between Indian and Schengen authorities
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these steps are necessary to protect people from falling victim to scams and to maintain trust in the immigration system.
Broader Implications for Indian Communities
The case has caused concern among families in Gujarat, where many people dream of moving abroad. It has also led to calls for better regulation of travel agents and more support for people who want to migrate legally.
Community leaders in Gujarat are urging the government to provide more information about safe migration. They also want stricter punishment for agents who exploit people’s hopes for a better life.
For those already living abroad, cases like this can create problems. Schengen countries may become more suspicious of Indian travelers, leading to longer wait times and more rejections for visa applications. This affects not only people from Gujarat but also from other parts of India.
Conclusion and Practical Takeaways
The arrest of seven men from Gujarat at Mumbai airport for using fake Schengen Employment Visas is a warning to anyone considering shortcuts in the immigration process. The risks are high: arrest, deportation, legal trouble, and a damaged future.
To avoid these dangers:
– Always use official visa channels
– Stay informed about the latest rules and requirements
– Be cautious of agents promising easy access to Europe
– Report any suspicious activity to the authorities
By following these steps, people can protect themselves and their families from scams and ensure a safer, more successful journey abroad. For the latest updates on visa policies and immigration news, always check official government sources and trusted news outlets.
Learn Today
Schengen Employment Visa
→ A visa allowing work across 29 European countries within the Schengen Area under certain conditions.
Ultraviolet Light → A tool used by immigration officers to reveal hidden security features on genuine visas.
Forgery → The criminal act of creating or using fake documents or signatures, punishable under law.
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) → An Indian government office managing foreign nationals’ registration and immigration-related legalities.
Visa Fraud → The illegal practice of using counterfeit or altered visas to gain unauthorized entry to countries.
This Article in a Nutshell
In July 2025, seven men from Gujarat were arrested at Mumbai airport with fake Schengen Employment Visas. Dubai immigration first flagged the documents. Authorities uncovered a scam by a travel agent promising easy European work with counterfeit visas, highlighting a rising visa fraud problem affecting Indian migrants and international security.
— By VisaVerge.com
