A recent investigation by the BBC Global Disinformation Unit and Africa Eye has shed light on recruitment agents scamming foreign nationals seeking work in the UK care sector. One of the agents exposed is a Nigerian doctor who previously worked for the NHS in psychiatry. The Home Office has recognized the vulnerability of the system to exploitation, as highlighted by the undercover footage revealing the tactics employed by these rogue agents.
The undercover investigation uncovered various tactics used by these agents, such as illegally selling non-existent jobs in UK care companies, devising fake payroll schemes to cover up the lack of jobs, and shifting from the care sector to other industries facing staff shortages. Reports of immigration scams have been on the rise since the government visa scheme, initially intended for foreign medical professionals, was expanded in 2022 to include care workers, making them an easy target for exploitation.
One of the agents caught on camera is Dr. Kelvin Alaneme, a Nigerian doctor and founder of CareerEdu, a relocation agency in Essex. Dr. Alaneme was captured offering lucrative opportunities to the undercover journalists, promising to pay for the procurement of care home vacancies and subsequently selling them to candidates in Nigeria. His actions highlight the unethical practices employed by these rogue agents, ultimately preying on vulnerable individuals seeking employment opportunities in the UK.
In another instance, the investigation revealed another recruitment agent, Nana Akwasi Agyemang-Prempeh, who pivoted from the care sector to construction due to tightening regulations. His involvement in offering fake Certificates of Sponsorship for construction jobs further underscores the extent of exploitation within the industry. The exposure of these agents has led to increased scrutiny and action from authorities to prevent further abuse of the visa system and protect vulnerable immigrants seeking work in the UK.
The government has initiated measures to crack down on fraudulent practices by employers and recruitment agents, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the recruitment process. The investigation conducted by the BBC underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of foreign workers and preventing them from falling victim to exploitation and scams orchestrated by unscrupulous individuals operating within the recruitment industry
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