Victims of UK Visa Scam: Migrant Carers from Kerala Seek Justice
Migrant carers from Kerala have been victims of exploitation by UK visa scams, particularly involving the agency Alchita Care, which promised jobs but failed to deliver. Victims, including Arun George and Sridevi, report losing significant savings and facing dire living conditions in the UK. Legal avenues for justice are complicated due to international jurisdictions, leaving many without recourse.
Arun George, a migrant from Kerala, invested £15,000 ($19,460) to secure a care worker job for his wife in the UK, hoping for a better life. However, upon arrival, they found there was no work. Despite repeatedly contacting Alchita Care in Bradford, they faced excuses and were subjected to unpaid training, resulting in only three days of actual work before returning to India. George now believes he has been scammed, setting his family back financially by at least a decade.
Many others from Kerala have similarly been exploited by recruiters and care homes. Alchita Care’s sponsorship license was revoked by the Home Office last year following complaints from multiple victims who reported that promised jobs did not materialize. One worker, currently in the UK, described surviving on minimal food from charity shops.
Sridevi, another victim, paid £15,000 for sponsorship and an additional £3,000 for travel. Now, fear of returning home keeps her from seeking help from family, while her work conditions are starkly different from what was promised. She often works unpredictable hours without fair compensation.
The recruiting of care workers from Kerala surged as they were added to the UK’s shortage occupation list during the pandemic. Baiju Thittala, a Labour Party member, noted the difficulty of pursuing justice in such exploitative schemes due to the complex international jurisdictions involved. Many victims remain unable to afford legal fees to fight their case.
In Kothamangalam, around 30 victims have reported losing millions collectively. They have all accused agent Henry Poulos and his agency, Grace International, of deceiving them. Shilpa, a victim, explained that a bank loan to pay Poulos now adds to her financial burden as she struggles to support her daughters’ education.
Despite repeated attempts, neither Poulos nor Grace International responded to inquiries. Local police are investigating the complaints and tracking Poulos’s whereabouts. Last year, the UK government acknowledged the issue of false visas being issued and has implemented stricter regulations in the care sector to prevent further abuse.
Even with these new regulations, it is estimated that 1,000 to 2,000 Kerala workers remain at risk in the UK. The ongoing investigations in India may provide some relief; however, for many who have already been affected, such justice feels unattainable.
The plight of migrant care workers from Kerala exemplifies a significant issue of exploitation within the UK visa system. Many have lost substantial amounts of money to deceitful recruitment practices, primarily through false sponsorship promises. While steps are being taken to curb these abuses through stricter regulations and investigations, the victims face ongoing struggles for justice and financial recovery, remaining vulnerable in a complex legal and jurisdictional landscape.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
