The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has attributed the plight of Nigerian workers recruited by the United Kingdom’s prison service—many of whom have resorted to sleeping in cars—to poor pre-travel planning.
According to a report by The Telegraph, some Nigerian and other foreign workers faced significant accommodation issues after arriving in the UK to fill staffing shortages in the prison system. These workers, who entered the country on skilled worker visas, were left without housing upon arrival, with some sleeping in vehicles or even forests during their first night.
Mark Fairhurst, President of the Prison Officers Association, acknowledged the challenges. He explained that several recruits mistakenly believed housing was part of the employment package.
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“We’ve had problems with people who turn up at the gates with their cases and families, asking where the accommodation is,” he said. He recounted cases like that of a worker who traveled 70 miles daily between Huddersfield and Nottingham but ended up sleeping in his car. Another recruit was forced to camp in a wooded area across from the prison after discovering no housing was provided.
The UK launched the recruitment drive following changes to its visa rules in October 2023, which included prison officers in the skilled worker visa category. The initiative allowed up to 250 foreign nationals to join the prison service after completing interviews and vetting. Tom Wheatley, President of the Prison Governors Association, stated that many applicants were drawn to the opportunity through online word of mouth, particularly among the Nigerian expatriate community.
Reacting to the situation, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, stressed the need for proper preparation before traveling abroad. He urged Nigerians to prioritize securing accommodation to avoid hardship.
“If you plan to travel abroad, it is essential to ensure that your travel is legitimate and that everything is in place to make your stay convenient. It is unreasonable for anyone to travel and end up sleeping on the streets or in their car. Such individuals have not followed the proper guidelines,” Balogun said.
He also noted that sleeping on the streets is illegal in many countries and highlighted the importance of arranging for housing, transportation, and basic needs before traveling.
Balogun called on Nigerians planning to migrate to prioritize their safety and comfort by securing adequate accommodation before embarking on their journeys.
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