Immigration Lawyer Warns Nigerians About Fraudulent CoS Charges

Babatunji Wusu –

• Lawyer Tunde Salami warns against paying for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Genuine CoS is free, typically issued to students with care work experience

• Fraudulent schemes charging between N15 million to N40 million for CoS

Tunde Salami, a UK-based Nigerian immigration lawyer, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians about the growing fraudulent practice of charging exorbitant fees for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to work as a caregiver in the UK or USA. According to Salami, many Nigerian migrants have fallen victim to schemes where they pay between N15 million to N40 million for a CoS, which is supposed to be free.

During an interactive session at the Education Expo organized by TCL Global in Ibadan, Oyo State, Salami explained that genuine CoS is not for sale and is typically provided to students who gain relevant work experience as caregivers while studying. The certificate, which allows them to work after completing their studies, is issued at no cost once they’ve acquired the necessary experience in care work.

Salami emphasized that the CoS is part of a legitimate policy whereby students on a study visa in the UK can work as caregivers and, after gaining experience, receive the CoS to continue working in the care sector. However, fraudulent agents mislead individuals into paying substantial sums for certificates that ultimately do not lead to employment, causing severe emotional distress for many.

Salami also shared his concerns about the mental health toll on Nigerians who are deceived by these fraudulent practices, many of whom have sold their properties to pay for fake CoS. He urged Nigerians to be cautious and follow the correct procedures for obtaining a CoS, advising that all genuine sponsorship certificates are free and are provided by care homes and hospitals that employ individuals with relevant care experience.

He reiterated that the care work visa is designed for those who enter the UK as students, gain care experience, and later receive the CoS from care providers free of charge. He advised Nigerians to avoid selling their assets to secure CoS and warned that those charging for it are involved in fraudulent activities.

The Education Expo also featured various foreign institutions, offering Nigerians information about studying in the UK, Canada, and Europe.