In a shocking revelation, an undercover investigation by BBC's Global Disinformation Unit has brought to light the unscrupulous tactics of recruitment agents involved in immigration scams targeting foreign nationals seeking employment in the UK care sector. The investigative reports show that a Nigerian doctor, Dr. Kelvin Alaneme, was among those exposed for selling non-existent job opportunities, leveraging his previous experience as an NHS psychiatrist.
The investigation highlighted that rogue agents, such as Dr. Alaneme, have capitalized on the Home Office's vulnerabilities, especially since the introduction of a visa scheme in 2022 that expanded opportunities for care workers. This raised alarms over the ease with which agents can manipulate the system, effectively preying on hopeful migrants desperate for work.
Dr. Alaneme was filmed explaining how he recruits individuals to act as agents for his agency, CareerEdu, promising lucrative returns for securing job placements in care homes. "Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire," he is seen saying, revealing his intention to capitalize on candidates' aspirations.
The BBC's undercover journalists gathered evidence of Lawrence's illegal practices, including devising fake payroll schemes to obscure the absence of actual job offers. Reports indicate a substantial increase in scams following the visa scheme's implementation, with many applicants becoming victims of these fraudulent operations.
Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, expressed the severity of the issue, stating, "The scale of exploitation under the Health and Care Work visa is significant." Vicol highlighted the inherent risks of the sponsorship system involving employers, which allows middlemen to profit at the expense of vulnerable workers.
One victim, identified as Praise, disclosed that he paid Dr. Alaneme over £10,000 for a promised job with a care company that ultimately did not exist. Despite continuous efforts to contact both Dr. Alaneme and the supposed employer, he found himself without recourse and living in desperation.
The investigation revealed that the care company in question, Efficiency for Care, employed a mere fraction of the sponsored workers it claimed during the period it issued over 1,200 Certificates of Sponsorship. Its license was revoked in July 2023, though it continues to operate while disputing the allegations.
Furthermore, the investigation uncovered similar tactics employed by another recruitment agent, Nana Akwasi Agyemang-Prempeh, who shifted focus from care to construction jobs due to shrinking opportunities in the former sector. His clandestine operations involved providing fake Certificates of Sponsorship, leading to significant financial losses for several victims.
The Home Office has responded by asserting that it will take robust action against employers abusing the visa system, emphasizing new penalties for violators. Investigations into scams of this nature are ongoing, as governmental bodies aim to reform practices to protect vulnerable migrant workers.
As the reliance on foreign labor continues within the UK’s healthcare sector, actions are increasingly being demanded to safeguard those seeking employment, with calls for a clampdown on rogue recruitment practices gaining momentum.
The investigation highlighted that rogue agents, such as Dr. Alaneme, have capitalized on the Home Office's vulnerabilities, especially since the introduction of a visa scheme in 2022 that expanded opportunities for care workers. This raised alarms over the ease with which agents can manipulate the system, effectively preying on hopeful migrants desperate for work.
Dr. Alaneme was filmed explaining how he recruits individuals to act as agents for his agency, CareerEdu, promising lucrative returns for securing job placements in care homes. "Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire," he is seen saying, revealing his intention to capitalize on candidates' aspirations.
The BBC's undercover journalists gathered evidence of Lawrence's illegal practices, including devising fake payroll schemes to obscure the absence of actual job offers. Reports indicate a substantial increase in scams following the visa scheme's implementation, with many applicants becoming victims of these fraudulent operations.
Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, expressed the severity of the issue, stating, "The scale of exploitation under the Health and Care Work visa is significant." Vicol highlighted the inherent risks of the sponsorship system involving employers, which allows middlemen to profit at the expense of vulnerable workers.
One victim, identified as Praise, disclosed that he paid Dr. Alaneme over £10,000 for a promised job with a care company that ultimately did not exist. Despite continuous efforts to contact both Dr. Alaneme and the supposed employer, he found himself without recourse and living in desperation.
The investigation revealed that the care company in question, Efficiency for Care, employed a mere fraction of the sponsored workers it claimed during the period it issued over 1,200 Certificates of Sponsorship. Its license was revoked in July 2023, though it continues to operate while disputing the allegations.
Furthermore, the investigation uncovered similar tactics employed by another recruitment agent, Nana Akwasi Agyemang-Prempeh, who shifted focus from care to construction jobs due to shrinking opportunities in the former sector. His clandestine operations involved providing fake Certificates of Sponsorship, leading to significant financial losses for several victims.
The Home Office has responded by asserting that it will take robust action against employers abusing the visa system, emphasizing new penalties for violators. Investigations into scams of this nature are ongoing, as governmental bodies aim to reform practices to protect vulnerable migrant workers.
As the reliance on foreign labor continues within the UK’s healthcare sector, actions are increasingly being demanded to safeguard those seeking employment, with calls for a clampdown on rogue recruitment practices gaining momentum.
