Nigerians emigrating to wherever they can; besides US, Canada
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
There is at least one Nigerian in every country in the world. Even though larger numbers are in English speaking nations, Nigerians live in and contribute positively to diverse countries from Mongolia to Norway and Suriname.
Many Nigerians have in recent years emigrated to Canada, which runs a generous immigration programme to attract skilled labour. They also seek the United Kindom and Australia, but eye the United States more for its greater opportunities.
Competition is, however, high for these and other countries and so some prosective emigres explore all available options to improve their chances.
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Some of these countries, the requirements to get there, and the benefits are listed below, as compiled by Nairametrics:
Australia
Immigration to Australia from Nigeria has increased at a yearly rate of 11.88 per cent, being one of the biggest migration routes for skilled human capital in the world.
It accepts immigrants with permanent residency in more than 400 different occupations and for working holiday visas, student visas, work visas, and more.
Australia makes very little discrepancy between nationalities, and has different visas for people who have permanent residency. These visas are categorised as 189, 190 and 491 subclasses.
Holders of 189 and 190 Permanent Residency visas and members of their immediate families can
- Live and work in Australia
- Enter and leave the country without further visas
- Access medicare
- Access ducation for children
- Own property
- Eonvert their Permanent Residency visas to full Australian citizenship
The 491 visa, launched in November 2019, is a Skilled Work Regional visa with 14,000 allocations per year.
This is a skilled migration (points tested) visa which lasts for an initial five years, and it can convert into full Permanent Residency status.
An expatriate living in Nigeria or a citizen of Nigeria moving to Australia on Skilled Migration must first qualify with an eligible occupation and then score enough points to enter the Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Steps involved in Applying for Permanent Residency under the Skilled Migration include:
- Identify an Occupation in Demand
- Score at least 65 on the Australian Points list
- Secure a Positive Skills Assessment
- Take an English Test
- Lodge an Expression of Interest
- Receive an Invitation to Apply
- Lodge Formal Application
- Do Police Checks
- Complete Medical Checks
- Receive a PR Visa
It takes about one year to finish the process. Sometimes it happens earlier, sometimes later, but one year is a good benchmark to keep in mind.
Germany
Though the process is not easy, becoming a student is a straight forward process of relocating to the country.
To study in Germany, you need to ask yourself whether you want to study at a private or public institution and in what language (German or English). Many universities offer courses in English and you need to show proof of your proficiency in it.
Germany is a popular study destination for students. In the 2018/19 winter semester alone, there were almost 400,000 students enrolled in programmes across the country.
To study in Germany, you need to take the following steps:
- Find the right programme
There are lots of universities and programmes you can pursue in Germany, but it is essential you choose one that will help you meet your career goals.
- File an application
Check out the entry requirements for the programme and apply. Consider whether you want to study in German or English.
Provide proof of your proficiency to study in either language – for example, an IELTS score of 6.0 is required study in English.
Many institutions also conduct proficiency tests if you do not have proof.
- Apply for student visa
Students applying to study in Germany from outside of the Schengen Area need to apply for a student visa.
Get in touch with the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence to start the process.
You will be required to provide several documents and attend an interview to discuss why you want to travel to Germany.
- Secure accommodation
Find somewhere to live before you get to Germany; there are lots of websites you can use to find a property or housemate.
Some institutions may also offer support with this.
- Travel to Germany
Once you acquire your visa, you are ready to travel to Germany and start your course.
If you are considering working alongside your studies, the government allows international students to work a total 120 full or 240 half days per year.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Its quality of living is top notch, though relocating to the country is difficult because the immigration law discourages immigration.
However, there are still ways one can emigrate to the country like through admission into a university. The process is tedious but is the best way to move there.
Swiss universities offer a very high standard of education and comparatively low tuition fees at bachelor, masters, and doctoral degree levels.
An international student looking to study in Switzerland needs to apply for a student visa from the Swiss embassy before travelling out.
The reason you are going to Switzerland will determine the type of visa you apply for. A businessman needs a business visa, a tourist a tourist visa, and a student a student visa.
Student visa is issued to applicants who intend to undertake studies, language courses or vocational training from an accredited university or institution in Switzerland.
For short courses of less than 90 days, you need a short term Schengen C visa. For courses of more than 90 days, a national D visa and a residence permit is required. Residence permits are issued by the Cantonal Migration Offices.
Documents for application for a long term D visa include:
- Three Visa Type D application form
- Fill the application completely and sign it
- Passport photographs
- International Passport
- Financial evidence
- Original certificate of English language proficiency test and two copies; that is, IELTS, TOEFL
- Previous educational certificates and diplomas
- Original confirmation of enrolment at a recognised Swiss educational institution, including two copies
- Original confirmation of course tuition fees paid, including two copies.
Visa procedure takes between eight and 12 weeks from the date of application acceptance.
After your studies, you will be given a six-month work visa to seek employment. If you are unable to find work within six months, you will be asked to leave or you become an illegal immigrant.
New Zealand
New Zealand has become a very popular choice of long term emigration destination.
Individuals and families are drawn to New Zealand for quality of life, nature, a strong economy, and a very safe environment.
New Zealand is ranked as one of the best places in the world to live and many Nigerians agree that emigrating there is one of the best life choices they have ever made.
There are many Nigerians living in safe and thriving communities in New Zealand which has reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming individuals and families looking to emigrate from Nigeria.
Some visas, such as those for qualified immigrants, get immediate permanent residence, but you must meet the conditions attached to it to ensure your journey from Nigeria is not interrupted.
There are several ways to obtain a residence visa, many of which start with a temporary visa that allows you to study or start a business in New Zealand.
Options to emigrate to New Zealand include:
- Skilled Migration
- Business Migration
- Partner Visas
New Zealand has one most ambitious skilled migration programmes with a generous permanent residency scheme to address worker shortage.
Singapore
The number of immigrants in Singapore rises every year. Working in Singapore, like most cosmopolitan cities, feels strangely familiar and foreign all at once. Its fast-paced, culturally diverse economy is filled with vibrant businesses and opportunities.
Singapore faces a shortage of technology workers which makes it rely on foreigners to fill the gap.
Tech giants such as Facebook and Google have their Asian bases in Singapore, and ByteDance and Zoom are hiring aggressively in the country of 5.7 million people.
The minimum wage in Singapore is $386 (N158,472.30) per month. Employees also receive a 13th-month salary.
Sectors in which Nigerians can get jobs in Singapore
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Marketing and sales
- Health care
- Teaching
- Hospitality
- Engineering
There are two options you can explore to live and work in Singapore – Direct Employment and Study to Stay.
Direct Employment
If you are a professional and have a job offer from a company in Singapore, it is wise to let the company apply for a visa on your behalf.
Requirements for work visa
- Passport with more than six months’ validity
- Original job offer from a company in Singapore
- Credentials used in processing job application
- Photocopy of the data page of passport
- Photocopies of the company’s business registration
- Two recent passport-sized photographs with white background
- Flight and booking
- Health clearance certificate
- Basic travelling allowance
Study to Stay
This entails investing in the right education that can enable you secure employment easily after graduation. Singapore allows an international student who studied in the country to stay, and work, provided it is done legally.
- Search for an accredited higher institution of Learning
- Process an admission to a university
- Obtain acceptance of offer of admission from the university
- Pay fees
- Process and obtain a student visa to study in Singapore
- Study and obtain a degree in your area of specialisation
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom gives international students the opportunity to work after completing their studyies.
The authorities announced that they have opened the new graduate route for international students to apply on July 1, 2021.
This enables the UK to retain the brightest and the best international students to continue to contribute to society and the economy after their studies.
Students on the graduate route can work or look for work after their studies for a maximum period of two years, or three years for doctorate students