BREAKING: Thousands Of Nigerians Stranded In UK Over Fake Employment (WHAT HAPPENED)

BREAKING: Thousands Of Nigerians Stranded In UK Over Fake Employment (WHAT HAPPENED)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Migration Agency, has cautioned prospective migrants about a syndicate that specializes in providing fraudulent employment letters to Nigerians seeking work in the United Kingdom (UK).

Emphasizing the importance of obtaining accurate information before pursuing migration, the IOM revealed that in 2023 alone, over 260,000 Nigerians sought its guidance on migrating through legitimate and approved channels, including undergoing pre-departure medical health assessments.

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The organization disclosed that more than a thousand Nigerians are currently stranded in the UK, having obtained visas based on fake employment letters. Upon arriving at the respective organizations in the UK, they were denied acceptance because the letters were not authentic.

Chief of Mission for IOM, Mr. Laurent De Boeck, shared this information during a news conference in Abuja on Monday. He noted that some victims lost substantial amounts, up to $10,000 each, in their desperate attempts to secure foreign employment. Consequently, these individuals find themselves stranded in the UK, with some lacking the means to return, while others feel embarrassed to face their families back home.

“There are some of them who lost over $10,000 only to be given fake employment letters, which allowed them to get visas. They get there, present the letters, and the organizations tell them that the letters did not emanate from the organizations. Over a thousand people are affected,” he stated.

De Boeck additionally mentioned that IOM is collaborating with partners to facilitate the repatriation of numerous individuals, including Nigerians, from Tunisia, which has recently imposed restrictions on migration.

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He stated that IOM is in extensive collaboration with Italy to establish lawful channels for qualified Nigerians, and there are plans to engage with other countries such as Spain, Belgium, France, and others.

Regarding displacements, De Boeck noted a consistent annual increase of about 30 percent over the past five years in many states of the North West.

Noting that Zamfara remained the most impacted in this regard, he said the incident of banditry and other crimes were fueling the increase.

“In Kano, people are displaced within and there are others who have migrated, which is why our offices in Libya and Niger have more migrants originating from Kano”, he stated.

He said that in 2023, IOM played a crucial role in addressing the shelter needs of 71,666 individuals affected by conflicts and environmental hazards.”Emergency, transitional, and durable housing solutions, including the construction of shelters, the distribution of shelter kits, and the innovative construction of 270 mudbrick shelters, were implemented.

Additionally, 37,277 individuals benefited from NFI interventions, ensuring access to personal and household items through hybrid, in-kind, and cash-based approaches.”Initiatives, such as safe access to fuel and energy, vocational skills training for youth, the construction of markets, and climate-smart agricultural training, reached thousands of households, significantly contributing to long-term resilience and community empowerment.

“In 2023, IOM identified and supported 682 victims of trafficking, with a dedicated focus on vulnerable groups such as survivors of gender-based violence, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied and separated children. “Collaborating with the Federal Government of Nigeria, IOM facilitated the return of 4,431 Nigerians and supported their reintegration. A total of 2,853 individuals received reintegration assistance, engaging in socio-economic opportunities of their choice.

“IOM’s Migration Health efforts in 2023, including over 260,000 Pre-Departure Medical Health Assessments (PDMHAs), diagnosing and referring 166 migrants with TB, administering 15,000 vaccine doses, and renovating three public hospitals, exemplified the organization’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare”, he stated.

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