How scammers are exploiting UK skilled worker visa seekers in Nigeria, leaving victims stranded

A distressing scheme has emerged in which fraudsters posing as United Kingdom (UK) skilled worker visa agents are preying on unsuspecting Nigerians, offering them fake job opportunities.

An in-depth investigation by Sky News has uncovered this troubling trend, revealing that victims are losing substantial amounts of money as they fall prey to these fraudulent job offers.

Blessing, a pseudonym used to safeguard her identity, recounted her ordeal to Sky News. She disclosed that she paid a staggering £10,000 to a supposed “agent” in Nigeria for a job as a caregiver in the UK.

Arriving in the UK three months ago, Blessing was devastated to discover that the job for which she had paid did not exist. Now reliant on assistance from a Nigerian food bank, Blessing expressed her frustration and disbelief, explaining that the prevalence of online fraud in Nigeria makes it difficult to differentiate between genuine and deceptive offers.

Expressing her regret, Blessing stated, “It makes me feel as though I’m a fool. I would have handled the application myself, but the abundance of scams on the internet in Nigeria makes it hard to discern what’s genuine. I’ve always been independent and hardworking. Being in a position where I have to rely on others for sustenance and visiting a food bank for meals is unacceptable to me. I’ve encountered numerous victims here, and more continue to arrive even after my own experience. There’s a pervasive scam taking place.”

For a legitimate skilled worker visa, the UK government charges fees ranging from £625 to £1,423, contingent on the applicant’s location and the duration of their stay. Additionally, applicants are required to pay an annual healthcare surcharge of £624 and demonstrate their ability to support themselves in the UK by having £1,270 available.

Applicants seeking skilled worker visas are advised to apply directly to the UK government while providing the necessary supporting documentation. In 2022, healthcare and care workers accounted for 86% of long-term sponsored work visas granted and over half of all work visas issued by the UK’s Home Office.

Mary Adekugbe, the founder of the Nigerian Community Centre in Rochdale, located in Greater Manchester, shared her concern with Sky News. She stated, “Out of the 35-40 individuals who typically visit our weekly food bank, approximately 15 possess skilled worker visas. We are overwhelmed; desperation is palpable. The situation is deeply worrying.”

Rishi Sunak, the UK’s Prime Minister, has consistently reiterated his commitment to immigration control. The government’s efforts include measures such as restricting family members from accompanying foreign students, revising the visa switch route, and reassessing the funds required for upkeep. However, the alarming rise of scams targeting visa seekers underscores the ongoing challenges faced in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from fraudulent schemes.