Nigerian Youths and the Rise in ‘Japa’ (Three)

The first and second parts of our ‘Japa’ series have addressed the reasons people are emigrating and the impact of this trend on Nigeria’s economy.

In this third part of the series, we look at what those planning to leave Nigeria, be it to study or in search of better job opportunities, should know.

Human Resources Specialist, Yomi Fawehinmi, has advised Nigerians that desire to leave the country to ensure they understand the requirements of the labour market to which they are relocating.

Seven out of ten Nigerians are willing to relocate to other countries for various reasons, with a good number of them recording success, according to data from the Africa Polling Institute in 2021.

It is also understood that the present group of Nigerians leaving the country are professionals seeking better career opportunities.

Do your research

In a chat with Development Diaries, Fawehinmi said, ‘First thing is to understand what you are going to do. If you are a professional, understand if you are going there to work as a professional or you are just going to hustle.

‘So if you are going to work as a professional, part of what you need to ask yourself is, “is my profession recognised where I am going”?

‘If it is recognised, what is the licensing procedure?

‘For example, in Canada, a profession like human resources is a regulated profession. You need to get a licence to practice, so you must ask yourself “what licence do I need to get to be able to work there”‘.

Fawenhinmi also advised that people need to understand other countries’ labour market requirements before relocating.

‘If a nurse, for example, is working in Nigeria and he wants to come to Canada, if he decides to come to Ontario, he is going to queue’, he said.

‘But if that same nurse decides to go to one of those very cold territories, he is going to likely get a job sooner because they want people’.

Equip yourself

It is advisable to research what skill gaps are needed in your country of choice. Many people who ‘japa’ are just desperate to leave without getting the right knowledge or skill set that will enable them to survive outside their home country.

Fawehinmi advised that if you are relocating as a student, you need to make sure your certificates are validated.

‘Get your certificate validated with WES, for instance, and make sure you get your transcript’, he advised.

Take necessary precautions

According to the United Nations, migrants in irregular situations are particularly vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation and abuse.

Moving to Europe has become increasingly difficult for Nigerians, and thousands have tried to travel irregularly, at their own risk.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recently cautioned Nigerians on the dangers of irregular migration so as not to waste their future.

According to the NIS Comptroller-General, Isah Jere, many Nigerians are eager to leave the country without knowing what to do and where to go.

Beware of migration agents who are eager to make money and therefore would not give the proper advice needed by someone who wants to emigrate.

Some of the dangers of irregular migration include exploitation by people smugglers, kidnapping and theft, violence and exploitation of women.

It is okay to travel if you have a legal job waiting, admission into school or any concrete legal means of survival.

Secure accommodation

Another thing is being able to secure accommodation before you emigrate in order not to be stranded when you get there.

Lots of young persons leaving Nigeria do not make conscious efforts to secure accommodation spaces before they leave, as there have been reports of students sleeping in school libraries, bus stops and train stations.

‘Nobody should travel abroad based on the promise of one man alone, you must have a network before you go, such that if plan “A” does not work, you will go with plan “B”‘, he added.

‘Also, you must be sure that you have enough resources to take care of yourself in the short run’.

On an ideal ‘to-do’ list for intending travelers, Fawenhinmi advised Nigerians to find ways to reduce their costs from the beginning.

‘Another thing to be on your to-do list should be what can you do to reduce your cost from day one. If you have someone you can live with, it will make a lot of difference for you’, Fawehinmi advised.

Plan finances

Before you ‘japa’ to any country, you need to understand basic things about finance; like savings, budgeting, and so on.

Fawehinmi advised that Nigerians should have financial plans before they get a job and become stable.

He said, ‘Have a plan of what you are going to use to survive before you get that dream job. Most immigrants do not land a dream job in the first six months of arrival; so what can you do in the interim?’

‘You may need to swallow your pride and try to go work in Walmart and the like, but have a plan’.

Learn new language

If you are relocating to a country where you do not know anything about their language, mastering a few basic words for communication will help you a lot when trying to make your way around.

Create a network

Finally, it is important to begin to create rich networks before you leave.

‘Before you leave Nigeria, you must enter into some networks, so try and get the WhatsApp and Facebook groups of Nigerians in those countries in your trade, know where they are, know where they work, and talk to people’, Fawehinmi advised.

‘When you go abroad, what can make a difference in your life is the quality of your network’.

Photo source: Neajjean

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