In a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, the Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Laurent De Boeck, disclosed a concerning situation involving more than 1,000 Nigerians who have become victims of scams related to foreign job opportunities in the United Kingdom.
Boeck emphasized the importance of seeking accurate information before undertaking any migration endeavors.
According to Boeck, some of the affected individuals lost substantial amounts, with reports of up to $10,000 per person, in their desperate attempts to secure foreign employment opportunities.
Tragically, these victims find themselves stranded in the UK due to financial constraints, while others are hesitant to return to their families out of embarrassment.
Boeck highlighted that the scam involved fake employment letters, which, despite securing visas, were later revealed to be fraudulent upon arrival in the UK. The total number of affected individuals has surpassed a thousand, illustrating the magnitude of the issue.
Additionally, Boeck revealed that in 2023 alone, over 260,000 Nigerians sought guidance from the IOM on legal and approved migration routes, including undergoing pre-departure medical health assessments.
The organization is actively collaborating with partners to repatriate thousands of individuals, including Nigerians, from Tunisia, which has recently implemented a migration ban.
Discussing internal displacements, Boeck noted a concerning 30% annual increase over the past five years in several states in the North West, with Zamfara being the most impacted. Banditry and other crimes were identified as key contributors to the rise in displacement. Boeck emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts to address the growing challenges.
In a related development, Boeck highlighted IOM’s initiatives in 2023, including the identification and support of 682 trafficking victims, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as survivors of gender-based violence, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied and separated children.
Working in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, IOM facilitated the return of 4,431 Nigerians and supported their reintegration, with 2,853 individuals receiving assistance to engage in socio-economic opportunities of their choice.
The report also acknowledged IOM’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare, citing over 260,000 pre-departure medical health assessments conducted in 2023.
The organization diagnosed and referred 166 migrants with tuberculosis, administered 15,000 vaccine doses, and contributed to the renovation of three public hospitals, showcasing its dedication to the well-being of migrants.
