The United Nations, International Organization for Migration (IOM), has disclosed that about 1,000 Nigerians are currently stranded in the United Kingdom (UK) having been lured to the European nation with bogus employment letters,
IOM’s Chief of Mission, Mr. Laurent De Boeck, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, revealed the existence of a syndicate that specialises in offering fake employment letters to Nigerians seeking to work in the UK.
He said: “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 therefore advised potential migrants to seek proper information before embarking on any migration.
De Boeck disclosed that over 260,000 Nigerians had approached it in 2023, seeking guidance on how to migrate through regular or approved routes and also undergoing pre-departure medical health assessments.
He added that IOM is working with partners to repatriate thousands of persons, including Nigerians, from Tunisia, which has recently placed a ban on migration.
The agency is also working extensively with Italy to develop regular pathways for qualified Nigerians and that it would also engage other countries like Spain, Belgium, France, and others.
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.
Displacement of persons
On displacements, De Boeck said there has been about 30 percent annual increase for 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.
He added: “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 said 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.
He continued: “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.”
