Beware of Scammers Providing Phony Job Offers in the UK, UN Cautions Nigerian Migrants
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a subsidiary of the United Nations, has issued a cautionary advisory to Nigerian migrants regarding a criminal network engaged in the production and dissemination of counterfeit employment documentation to those seeking work in the United Kingdom (UK).
According to reports from the UN agency, there are presently in excess of 1000 Nigerians stranded in the UK subsequent to their procurement of visas predicated on false employment letters, only to discover upon arrival that the documents were spurious. A considerable number of these individuals were left bereft of employment prospects as the UK entities disclaimed any association with the letters presented by the migrants.
As of 2023, the IOM has logged over 260,000 inquiries from Nigerians seeking guidance on legal and sanctioned migration routes, as well as undergoing mandatory medical evaluations prior to departure.
During a press briefing held in Abuja, Mr. Laurent De Boeck, the Chief of Mission at IOM, averred: “There are some individuals who have incurred significant financial losses, exceeding $10,000, after falling victim to falsified employment documentation. These contrived papers facilitated the visa applications, but upon submission to the UK entities, it became apparent that they lacked authenticity. Over a thousand individuals have been ensnared in this fraudulent activity.”
In response to the predicament, the IOM is collaborating with partners to facilitate the repatriation of numerous individuals, including Nigerians, from Tunisia. This initiative was set in motion following Tunisia’s enforcement of a migration prohibition, necessitating intervention from the international community.
Furthermore, the IOM is laboring in close collaboration with Italy to establish lawful channels for qualified Nigerians, and intends to engage with other nations, such as Spain, Belgium, France, and others, to fashion analogous opportunities.
It is advisable for Nigerian migrants to wield caution and vigilance when confronted with employment prospects in the UK, ensuring that all offers and documents are meticulously verified prior to commencing any visa applications. As the UN endeavors to tackle these issues, it is imperative for individuals to remain cognizant of the risks associated with fraudulent practices in the migration process.
