Verification Issues Lead To Nigerian Nurses Being Sent Home From UK And US

Verification Issues Lead To Nigerian Nurses Being Sent Home From UK And US

Nigerian nurses and midwives working overseas are facing significant distress due to the abrupt deactivation of the verification portal by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). The portal, which was shut down in February 2024, has created obstacles for healthcare professionals trying to renew their licenses and comply with international regulatory standards.

Many nurses, including those in the UK and the US, are now grappling with violations of visa conditions and employment laws because they lack the necessary verification from the NMCN, leading to potential legal repercussions and forced returns to Nigeria.

One nurse, who had eagerly joined a prestigious healthcare organization in the UK after relocating from Nigeria in September 2023, saw his dreams shattered when the portal was deactivated. Despite completing various exams and navigating a complex documentation process, he was unable to secure his registration pin due to the portal’s closure.

In an attempt to resolve the issue, he reached out to the NMCN for help, but was met with the council’s policy barring any further verification through the closed portal. As a result, the UK Trust, adhering to its policies, terminated his employment due to his inability to meet certification requirements.

The nurse expressed his frustration, stating, “The situation is not only disheartening but feels almost like a personal crisis. My career is stalled because of the closed portal. I’ve visited the nursing council numerous times, pleading for a resolution, but th