Daily Mail of the United Kingdom has beamed searchlight on Nigerian Tiktokers promoting British prison jobs as a quick way to relocate out of Nigeria.
New figures reveal that British prisons have recruited over 2,300 foreign nationals in the last three years to address staff shortages.
This has led to a trend where many young people on TikToks now consistently post videos to promote prison officer jobs as an easy route to securing a UK visa.
According to data obtained by MailOnline, the UK’s prison service has been increasingly hiring foreign workers, with many believed to be from Nigeria.
The Ministry of Justice, however, declined to provide a detailed nationality breakdown.
Several Nigerian influencers on TikTok have been sharing videos encouraging their followers to apply for UK prison officer positions, emphasizing how easy the process is and the potential for obtaining a skilled worker visa (Tier 2).
One TikToker, who regularly posts UK job opportunities, claimed that he knew someone who had secured an offer after applying “just last weekend.”
He explained the straightforward application process:
“You put in the application, take the online test, and then they invite you for an interview. Just go on Google and type ‘prison officer job.’ What are you waiting for? Apply!”
Another TikToker, king_kriyl, suggested that obtaining a UK work visa through this route was relatively simple, sharing an email screenshot as proof that someone he knew had passed the online assessment phase within a week.
The tabloid however reported that despite the influx of foreign recruits, concerns have been raised over the suitability of some hires.
Critics argue that the fast-tracked recruitment process, which allows candidates to apply entirely online, may lead to some officers lacking the necessary qualifications or English proficiency.
Ian Acheson, a former UK prison governor, expressed concerns over the trend, stating:
“We need the best people to work in our struggling prison system, not just those who see it as a shortcut to getting a British visa. Communication skills and cultural awareness are crucial for such a vital law enforcement role.”
Union leaders have also criticized the UK’s policy of hiring prison officers via virtual interviews, warning that some recruits may struggle with English or lack the skills required for the job. The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has called for the return of in-person interviews to ensure better vetting of applicants.
The UK prison system has faced chronic staff shortages, prompting the government to allow the sponsorship of skilled worker visas for prison officers since October 2023. Some new recruits are also believed to have switched from other visa routes.
The surge in foreign recruitment highlights the growing difficulties in filling prison officer roles domestically, with the job becoming less attractive due to challenging working conditions and security risks.
