International Organization for Migration
IOM – more than 1000 Nigerians fell for fake jobs at UK. According to the International Organization for Migration, over 1,000 Nigerians have fallen victim to frauds involving overseas work prospects in the United Kingdom.
This was in response to the fact that it recommended Nigerians to gather sufficient information before starting on any migration.
Laurent De Boeck, the IOM’s Chief of Mission, announced these at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
According to Boeck, some of the victims lost up to $10,000 each in their desperate attempts to find abroad work.
He claims they are stranded in the UK because some lack the means to return, while others are ashamed of returning to their family.
“Some of them lost over $10,000 only to be given fake employment letters that allowed them to obtain visas.”
“They arrive, present the letters, and the organizations inform them that the letters did not originate with the organizations.” “Over a thousand people have been affected,” he said.
He also revealed that in 2023, over 260,000 Nigerians addressed the agency seeking advice on how to migrate via normal or allowed channels, as well as undertaking pre-departure medical health tests.
Boeck also stated that the IOM is collaborating with partners to return thousands of individuals, including Nigerians, from Tunisia, which recently imposed a migration ban.
In terms of displacements, Boeck stated that there has been a 30% yearly increase in numerous North West states during the last five years.
He noted that Zamfara remained the most affected in this regard, and that banditry and other crimes were feeding the rise.
“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 went on to say.
“By 2023, IOM had identified and assisted 682 victims of trafficking, with a special emphasis on vulnerable groups such as survivors of gender-based violence, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied and separated children.”
“In collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, IOM facilitated the return and reintegration of 4,431 Nigerians.” A total of 2,853 people got reintegration help, allowing them to pursue socioeconomic prospects of their choosing.
“IOM’s Migration Health efforts in 2023, including over 260,000 Pre-Departure Medical Health Assessments 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 went on to say.