How to Japa From Nigeria
Now more than ever, Nigerians are leaving the country in their droves. One could quickly tell from the numerous Japa announcements on social media, particularly on Twitter, with the caption — welcome to a new dispensation. But "why are Nigerians migrating in their numbers? You ask.
Currently, in Nigeria, the state of things is in chaos. The cost of goods and services is insanely high. Universities are on constant strikes, insecurity is at an all-time high, and the unemployment rate is at 33 percent against the projected rate of 32.5 percent. In fact, Nigeria's socioeconomic situation has worsened over the years, and this has led many to aspire to Japa.
Well, if you're contemplating relocating but are unsure of how to Japa from Nigeria and what the options are, this article will guide you. We'll cover seven easy ways to relocate from Nigeria without sweating too much.
7 Ways to Japa From Nigeria
1. Take the Study Abroad Route
The study abroad route is one way to leave Nigeria. When you apply to study abroad, you become eligible for student visas, allowing you to settle in your preferred country of study.
Countries such as Italy, Canada, and the UK offer scholarship programs to undergraduate and postgraduate candidates. However, their application process may differ. But still, applying to study in any of them leaves you with an option to leave Nigeria easily.
For starters, it's recommended you research current scholarship openings in your field. Then, thoroughly read the application guidelines and apply if eligible. When done right, you could secure a proper fully-funded scholarship abroad and ultimately leave Nigeria.
Protip: Read our guide on "How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship Abroad" to learn more about scholarships for Nigerian students.
2. Seek Jobs Abroad
It's no news that Nigeria has a high unemployment rate. But while there are no jobs, many Nigerians are finding alternatives in other countries. For example, data shows that more than 12,000 Nigerians have relocated to Canada in search of greener pastures.
Since getting jobs abroad provides work visas for people to relocate, you can take advantage of the opportunity. Countries such as the UK, New Zealand, England, and Canada all offer work visas to hired employees.
All you need to do is to research job opportunities in your preferred country. Then, find the job requirements and submit an application. If you lack the required skills, opting for training and learning accordingly is best.
Protip: Read our guide on "Job Opportunities for International Students in Canada" to find suitable student job options abroad.
Also, you can apply to international organizations in Nigeria, as they have a high probability of transferring you to other countries to head their branches.
Aside from that, if you're skilled in software development, digital marketing, or UI/UX design, you should apply to foreign job boards like Indeed to land a job abroad and relocate.
3. Relocate Through Investor Visa
Investor visas are an easy way to relocate from Nigeria. When you invest in some countries or create full-time jobs for their citizens, you become eligible for a green card. In other instances, if you invest in properties or buy land, you can become a permanent resident.
Take the US, for example — if you invest a certain amount, around $90,000, in a US company, you become eligible to migrate with your family. But is an investor visa limited to the US? No, other countries such as Spain, Dominica, Portugal, Greece, and Nevis offer investor visas to eligible investors.
Research these countries and find investment options to engage to help you leave Nigeria.
4. Japa From Nigeria Through Marriage
Marrying someone from a different country can help you Japa from Nigeria. While it's scarcely discussed, many Nigerians have relocated through this method.
Take internet fraudsters, for example — most of them use this approach to lure their victims. They connect with them via social media platforms like Facebook and then promise marriage, which helps them relocate. Of course, it works, but that's not the point of this article.
The point is — you can relocate abroad if you're legally married to a foreigner. Use dating apps and social media communities to connect with the partner you want. Build a relationship and transition to marriage. You'll be able to japa legitimately using this method.
5. Apply for Asylum
Asylum is the act of seeking protection in another country due to human rights violations and prosecution in one's home country. If you can prove these violations, countries like Turkey, Lebanon, Colombia, and Jordan are willing to offer you asylum.
Meanwhile, when seeking asylum, remember that you must first file an asylum application. This application will proceed further into an interview with the immigration office and ultimately determine whether they should consider your claim or not.
6. Seek Permanent Residency
Permanent residency is yet another way to relocate from Nigeria. Many countries accept permanent residency applications, including the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia. To apply, do the following:
- Fill out an online application
- Input all mandatory fields
- Pay your fees.
Protip: You can use Pay4Me to make all international payments, including this type. Read more about how the app works here.
- Submit required documents
- And finally, wait for approval.
After submitting your application, you should receive an acknowledgment email confirming that your application has been received by immigration. Meanwhile, keep in mind that a permanent residency application will take about six months or more to get approved.
7. Relocate Through a Point-Based System
Ordinally, most countries are willing to receive people who want to relocate. However, this largely depends on how skilled one is — also called the point-based system. On meeting the required points, which include mandatory and tradable points, you can quickly relocate overseas. Read our guide on "How to Relocate to the UK with A Point-based System" to learn more.
In Conclusion
Relocating from Nigeria is possible. And regardless of whether you're on an academic quest or searching for greener pasture, the ways outlined here are practical. You can Japa through marriage, a study abroad route, a point-based system, foreign jobs, asylum, permanent residency, and investor visas. Just pick the one that's most favorable to your current situation, and you'd be sure to relocate in a matter of time.