Uzbekistan’s consulate in Istanbul warns citizens against fake U.S. visa promises

According to reports, certain individuals and legal entities in Türkiye have been defrauding Uzbek citizens by promising to facilitate their permanent residency in the United States or arrange visas for European countries in exchange for large sums of money. These fraudulent activities have been on the rise in recent times.

Those who place their trust in such individuals often find themselves in serious trouble. Acting on misleading advice, they travel to various foreign countries, primarily in Asia and Africa, only to end up stranded and facing hardships.

"Just recently, another Uzbek woman, who had fallen into the trap of fraudsters while attempting to reach the U.S. and was left in dire conditions with her child in Africa and Latin America, was repatriated to Uzbekistan with the assistance of the Consulate General," the statement reads.

The Consulate General has warned of the serious consequences of illegal migration, which include:

• Fraudsters misappropriating victims' money;
• Unlawful confiscation of personal documents;
• Becoming undocumented abroad and facing legal issues;
• Risk of criminal prosecution;
• Deportation or long-term travel bans.

"To legally travel to the U.S. or European countries, always contact officially authorized institutions. Do not trust individuals who promise visas or illegal entry to the U.S. in exchange for money," the Consulate General urged.

Previously, the Consulate General in Istanbul reported that certain criminal groups in Türkiye were attempting to use Uzbek citizens as intermediaries in smuggling illegal migrants to the European Union, particularly Greece, by sea, under the false promise of large financial rewards.

Additionally, the consulate announced that, as of February 1, Türkiye has abolished the conditional entry (şartlı giriş) policy. It has advised Uzbek citizens whose legal stay has expired or whose residence permit applications have been denied to leave the country in compliance with the law. Violating these regulations could result in restrictions on returning to Turkey.