A Nigerian family living in the United Kingdom has alleged that they lost £11,300 while attempting to secure a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) following uncertainty around their care worker visa.

The claims surfaced after comments attributed to UK-based career consultant Dipo Awojide were shared online, drawing attention to what he described as a case involving alleged sponsorship fraud.

Japaforum has not independently verified the allegations. The individuals named in related online posts have not publicly responded to the claims at the time of publication.

Visa Renewal Concerns

According to information shared publicly, the family relocated to the UK in 2024 on a care worker visa, with the wife as the principal applicant.

They say they were informed by their employer in December 2025 that their #sponsorship would not be renewed ahead of the visa’s expiry in January 2026. Facing the prospect of losing their right to remain in the UK, the family began searching for alternative sponsorship.

Under the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visa routes, migrants typically have a limited timeframe to secure a new licensed sponsor if their employment ends.

The Alleged Payment

The family alleges they were introduced, through a colleague, to an individual who claimed to be able to assist in securing a new Certificate of Sponsorship.

They say they subsequently transferred a total of £11,300 in connection with the arrangement.

According to the family, the sponsorship did not materialise and attempts to recover the funds have so far been unsuccessful.

Under UK law, allegations of fraud remain claims unless established through formal investigation or court proceedings.

Wider Concerns Within the Diaspora

Immigration advisers have long warned that visa deadlines can create pressure for migrant workers, making them vulnerable to unregulated intermediaries offering quick solutions.

Certificates of Sponsorship can only be issued by employers licensed by the Home Office. The official register of licensed sponsors is publicly available on the UK government website.

Experts advise migrants to:

- Verify a sponsor’s licence status independently
- Avoid transferring large sums to personal or third-party accounts
- Seek guidance from advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or authorised solicitors
- Report suspected fraud to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre

A Growing Issue

Allegations relating to sponsorship arrangements have increasingly appeared in diaspora community discussions, particularly among care workers who relocated to the UK in recent years.

The Home Office has previously tightened compliance rules around sponsor licensing, including revoking licences where employers fail to meet regulatory standards.

Japaforum understands that the family says it is exploring its options, including potential reporting to the relevant authorities.

This story will be updated if a response is received from those named in the allegations or if further verified information becomes available.