Nigerian caregiver in UK, sacked, deported for praying for her client to get better

A Nigerian working in the United Kingdom as a caregiver, has been reportedly sacked and deported because she prayed for her client to get better.

According to Olufunmilayo Harvey, a UK based Nigerian doctor who shared the news on X, said the prayer, even though done with good intention, violates medical ethics in the UK.

He said: “I just read the sad story of a Nigerian who came to uk employed by an agency to work as a carer for elderly people.

“She was assigned to care for an elderly patient who was dying and she was reported for ‘praying for the client to get better.’ Yeah. She got sacked and deported.

“Even IF the patient/client were to bring up a religious conversation, you should refer them to speak with a pastor, chaplain, imaam, cleric or any religious figure.

“As a health worker; You should not be engaging in religious activities with a patient/client.

“If you get reported to the appropriate authorities, you can lose your job. Many times, this also means you lose your sponsorship and visa to remain in the country.

“Remember your visa to stay in the country as a worker is tied to your employment. If you lose your employment- you will lose your stay in the country.

“Except of course you find another job and employer- but in these kind of circumstances surrounding the sack- you may struggle to find another employer.”