This is the answer I got from British embassy!
Basic Traveller’s Allowance, is because many Indian citizens have become a problem to British government because of no money on them on their arrival. This is the reason visa issuing department said that all applicants must present Basic Traveller’s Allowance before signing their visa and work or permit.
Is this required for me as an Indian!
YOU HAVE TO COME WITH UR ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND UR VISA AND TRAVELLING DOCUMENTS WILL BE REALISED TO U ONLY AFTER Successfully PAYING UR BTA OF 1500 GBP. BTA IS REFUNDABLE
This is the letter I received please let me know the truth ?
Regards,
Deepak

Utter SCAM !!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deepak1712s

YOU HAVE TO COME WITH UR ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND UR VISA AND TRAVELLING DOCUMENTS WILL BE REALISED TO U ONLY AFTER Successfully PAYING UR BTA OF 1500 GBP. BTA IS REFUNDABLE

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If that's what they wrote, it's a dead giveaway.

Anything from anyone that doesn't spell out YOU and just uses U or doesn't spell out YOUR and uses UR isn't going to be credible.

I've been through the UK over 20 times.. I've never been asked for it.

Are you sure its actually from the British Embassy, or did you get this from someone else claiming that what the British embassy said. Such as someone you are paying to "get you work papers". I'm surprised they are just handing out many work VISA's considering the state of the economy there.