A United Kingdom (UK)-based Nigerian-born immigration lawyer, Mr. Tunde Salami, has described the payment of amounts ranging from N15 million to N40 million for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) as a caregiver in the UK or the USA as fraudulent.
Salami made this known during an interactive session with journalists at the Education Expo organised by TCL Global in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He stated that many Nigerian migrants have been defrauded after paying huge sums for CoS, which are supposed to be issued free of charge.
Salami, who is also the Country Director of TCL Global, explained that the certificates are not meant to be sold but issued to students who have gained experience working as carers or caregivers during their studies.
He lamented that the CoS is being repackaged and sold to unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of migration opportunities through the popular “Japa” scheme, at exorbitant rates ranging from N15 million to N40 million.
According to him, “The policy allows people to come in through the student route. While studying, they can work as carers or caregivers. After completing their program, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued to them for free to enable them to continue working in the care sector.”
Salami noted that many individuals are now battling depression because they were ill-prepared for the reality they met abroad—especially those who acquired care work certificates through dubious means.
“From my practical experience, the last three years have brought various challenges for migrants and the UK immigration system. Most people who arrived during this period were not well-informed. They assumed their problems would disappear upon arrival, but unfortunately, new problems began,” he said.
“Some of them sold properties—houses, cars—thinking everything would be perfect once they got there, especially those who came via the care work route using a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).”
He added that TCL Global never engaged in selling CoS or care-related offers.
“As a company, we stayed away from CoS sales because I knew that 85% of them were fake. Genuine sponsorship licenses in the UK are free—they are not for sale. The right path is to come in as a student, gain experience working as a carer, and then receive a CoS for free after completing your studies.”
“That same CoS, meant to help someone work as a carer, is what people are paying N10 million, N20 million, 10,000 pounds, or even 40,000 pounds for. Sadly, when they arrive, there are no jobs waiting for them. It pushes many into depression.”
Salami said the level of depression among Nigerian migrants in the UK has risen significantly over the last three years because many had unrealistic expectations.
“People don’t want to hear the truth. When we tell them the right way to do things, they ignore us and follow dubious agents. But when problems arise, we’re still the ones they run back to.”
He emphasized that the student route remains the most reliable, stating: “The UK’s education system is rigorous. Anyone who earns a certificate from a UK institution experiences a transformation in their life. From there, they can either stay back or move on, but they’ll still have something solid.”
Salami urged Nigerians to follow simple guidelines and avoid paying for Certificates of Sponsorship, which genuine care homes and hospitals offer freely to students who have worked with them.
“Genuine CoS is free. Don’t pay for it. Even hospitals recruiting nurses issue them for free. If someone asks you to pay, know that it’s not genuine.”
“Care work visas are for those already in the UK on another visa—usually a student visa. If you work with a care home or supported living organisation during your studies and gain 3 to 12 months of experience, they can offer you a CoS at no cost.”
The Education Expo hosted representatives from several foreign universities and attracted prospective students seeking accurate information on studying abroad.
Some of the participating institutions included the University of Portsmouth, University of Central Lancashire, University of Greenwich, and Cranfield University, all based in the UK.
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