The United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has revealed that more than 1,000 Nigerians fell victim to scams involving fake job opportunities in the United Kingdom. Laurent De Boeck, the Chief of Mission of IOM, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja, stating that some victims lost as much as $10,000 each in their desperate attempts to secure foreign jobs.
Boeck highlighted that victims are currently stranded in the UK as some lack the means to return, while others feel ashamed to face their families back in Nigeria. He explained that many victims were provided with fake employment letters that allowed them to obtain visas. However, upon arrival in the UK, the organizations mentioned in the letters denied their authenticity.
In addition to the scam, Boeck mentioned that over 260,000 Nigerians sought guidance from IOM in 2023 on how to migrate through regular or approved routes and underwent pre-departure medical health assessments. The organization is working with partners to repatriate individuals, including Nigerians, from Tunisia, which recently implemented a ban on migration.
Boeck also noted the increase in displacements, with a 30% annual rise for the past five years in many states of the North West. Zamfara is reported as the most impacted state, and the incidents of banditry and other crimes are contributing to the surge. IOM identified and supported 682 victims of trafficking in 2023, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as survivors of gender-based violence, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied and separated children. The organization also facilitated the return of 4,431 Nigerians and supported their reintegration.
Moreover, IOM’s Migration Health efforts in 2023 included over 260,000 Pre-Departure Medical Health Assessments, diagnosis, and referral of 166 migrants with tuberculosis, administration of 15,000 vaccine doses, and renovation of three public hospitals.
