Numerous individuals are facing dire circumstances in the UK after arriving on skilled worker visas, only to discover that the promised job opportunities are non-existent.
A Nigerian woman shared her experience with Sky News, revealing that she paid £10,000 to an “agent” for a skilled worker visa with the assurance of employment in the UK, which ultimately turned out to be a false promise.
Speaking anonymously in the confines of a food bank, she expressed her distress at being left destitute despite her aspirations of contributing and not relying on aid.
Blessing, as she prefers to be called, arrived in the UK three months ago after securing a visa through an agent in Nigeria.
The agent had guaranteed a position as a carer in the UK in exchange for a substantial fee. However, upon arrival, she found herself without the promised job.
Her story is emblematic of a larger issue illuminated by a Sky News investigation, which uncovered the misuse of the skilled worker visa system.
These intermediaries, often referred to as “agents,” are reportedly profiting from arranging fictitious caregiving positions for hopeful migrants.
This predicament has driven many visa holders to dire circumstances, relying on food banks and, in some cases, even resorting to sleeping rough.
Blessing is now among those who are dependent on handouts for sustenance.
At a Nigerian Community Centre in Greater Manchester, she receives basic supplies from a food bank, where shelves are stocked with essentials like bread, cereal, tinned tomatoes, and culturally familiar items such as palm oil and beans.
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Blessing expressed her frustration, stating, “I’ve always provided for myself. I’m a very hard-working, diligent person. So for me to be here depending on people to eat coming to the food bank to get food isn’t ok with me.”
She added that the situation makes her feel diminished and detached from the capable person she was back in Nigeria.
Blessing refrained from disclosing the identity of the British company that sponsored her visa, fearing potential consequences.
However, she presented documents, including her passport, to corroborate her account. She explained that the prevalence of skilled worker visa holders facing similar challenges is overwhelming.
Approximately 15 out of the 35-40 individuals who frequent the weekly food bank have skilled worker visas, according to her estimation.
These visa holders, who arrive in the UK with aspirations of contributing to society, are grappling with dire circumstances.
Many are unable to secure employment as promised, leading to emotional distress, financial strain, and reliance on social support services.
Amidst these challenges, concerns about the integrity of the skilled worker visa system and the exploitation of vulnerable migrants are increasingly pressing.
Source: Skynews