The rise of scammers pretending to be UK skilled worker agents has become a significant concern, particularly for foreign nationals, including many Nigerians. These fraudsters exploit innocent individuals by offering fake job promises, often leading to substantial financial losses.
A Sky News investigation highlighted the alarming frequency of these scams, with victims losing significant sums due to fraudulent job offers under the UK Skilled Worker visa program. This underscores the need for a comprehensive guide to help individuals understand the visa process and recognize potential scams.
In this article, you’ll learn how to identify UK skilled worker visa scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim to them.
What Are Work Visa Scams?
A scam intentionally deceives people to steal their money, property, or personal information. Work visa scams typically involve false promises of permanent residence and employment, targeting people from various backgrounds and education levels. These scams can be perpetrated through emails, letters, phone calls, or even in person.
Work visa scams often involve offers of visas in exchange for personal information or money, sometimes including a promise to repay a portion of your income once the job is secured. The scammer may claim government connections or special ties to authorities who can arrange the visa.
It might be a work visa scam if you’re presented with a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity or told that only a specific individual can help you relocate.
Understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa System
The UK Skilled Worker visa system allows eligible candidates to enter or stay in the UK to work for an approved employer in a qualifying role. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and also permits employment in UK waters.
UK Home Office data shows that long-term sponsored work visas issued to primary applicants increased by over 160% in 2022, rising from 63,757 in 2019 to 166,408.
Who is Eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?
To qualify for the visa, individuals must earn 70 points by meeting specific eligibility criteria, such as skill level, income, English language proficiency, and having a valid job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship license.
The Skilled Worker visa also allows spouses, partners, and dependent children to apply to join the main visa applicant in the UK as dependents. The visa is valid for up to five years, after which the worker can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
However, the system has been exploited, as Sky News uncovered. Intermediaries charge large sums to arrange non-existent jobs in the UK, particularly in the care sector.
How to Avoid UK Skilled Worker Visa Scams
- Understand the Eligibility Criteria: The complexity of the visa process often leads people to seek assistance from agents. While immigration lawyers can be helpful, applicants must understand the process themselves. Accumulating 70 points is essential, with 50 points for mandatory criteria (job offer, English proficiency, and required skill level) and 20 points for tradeable criteria.
- Verify the Employer’s Legitimacy: The applicant and the sponsor must prove the employer’s legitimacy. Skilled worker visa holders cannot work in other job categories and are limited to 20 hours per week with another employer. Ensure that the prospective sponsor meets the 20-point minimum requirement for job sponsorship eligibility.
If you’re dealing with an agent, request a copy of the employer’s valid sponsorship license with an ‘A’ rating. Also, ask for proof that the sponsor has paid the ‘Immigration Skills Charge.’ - Insist on a Certificate of Sponsorship: Before applying, insist on seeing a genuine Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which the applicant must provide with their Home Office application. Only licensed sponsors can issue a CoS, confirming the job’s legitimacy and the applicant’s eligibility.
Note that your skills must meet the role requirements, which must be at least Regulated Qualifications Framework (RFQ) level 3 or higher. A skilled worker visa application may be denied if the job or the applicant’s skills do not meet the required standards. - Ensure the Salary Meets the Threshold: The Skilled Worker visa’s minimum salary requirement is more than £26,200 per year, £10.75 per hour, or the ‘going rate’ for the specific role. It should raise concerns if the salary is too low or unusually high.
- Confirm Financial Maintenance Requirements: The applicant must demonstrate they have enough funds to support themselves, as they cannot access public funds in the UK. Applicants need at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. Dependents require additional funds.
Tips to Prevent Falling for a UK Visa Scam
- Too Good to Be True: Scammers often promise easy jobs in the UK without official interviews or a fast-tracked visa process.
- Pressure to Act Quickly: Scammers may pressure you to act fast or risk losing the opportunity.
- Suspicious Payment Requests: Be wary of requests for payment via insecure methods like money transfers or vouchers.
- Unprofessional Communication: Scammers may use free email services like Hotmail or Gmail and have poorly designed websites.
- Confidential Information Requests: Scammers may ask for personal information like bank account or credit card details.
How to Identify a UK Visa Immigration Scam
Telephonic UK Visa Immigration Scam
- If someone calls claiming to be an agency or government representative and asks for personal information, it’s likely a scam. Never share personal details over the phone; simply say “no” and hang up.
Local Business UK Visa Immigration Scam
- Local businesses might promise visa assistance but could run an immigration fraud operation. Always research the company thoroughly before engaging with them.
Online UK Visa Immigration Scam
- Some scams involve websites that mimic legitimate law firms. Always check the URL for a secure connection and verify the website’s legitimacy.
Conclusion
Obtaining a UK Skilled Worker visa is a significant step in advancing your career. However, the rise in scams targeting applicants calls for a vigilant and informed approach. By understanding the process and recognizing red flags, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Following this guide will help ensure a safe and legitimate application process. Good luck!
FAQs
How might scammers contact you?
Scammers may reach out via phone calls, emails, WhatsApp, SMS, etc.
How can I report a fake visa?
If you’re in the UK, report it to the UK Home Office or Action Fraud. If you’re outside the UK, report it to local authorities.
How do I know if my UK visa is genuine or fake?
You can email the UK Home Office to verify if your application is in their system.