Explainer: Here are legal ways to relocate abroad

A common word in the mouths of many Nigerian youth is ‘japa’ when they are talking about leaving the country for greener pastures.

The economic challenges and insecurity are key factors driving Nigerians out of the country to the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, among others.

However, when emigration is done illegally, it can lead to regrets.

Hence, it is important that Nigerians who want to relocate to other countries ensure they have all the necessary documents to travel and reside there.

Here are some of the ways to relocate from Nigeria legally:

Take the study abroad route

Studying overseas is a major route to relocate abroad. To do this, you have to apply to study abroad, and this will qualify you for a student visa that allows you to settle in your country of choice.

Bunmi Apologun, a Nigerian student in the UK, said: “Admission requirements differ with countries, especially Africa. Once you meet the criteria you are offered admission. You pay 50 percent of your fee. A certificate of acceptance for studies (CAS) shield is opened, this contains different questions from personal information, travel history, financial information, TB test results, reasons for choosing the course, and the university.

“As you respond to these questions and upload the required documents you are building your CAS. When it’s 100 percent then the CAS is officially issued; however, this may take a while.”

She added: “As you are filling the CAS, there is a specific amount of money you are expected to have in your account that can be calculated as the average money you will spend per month and you must prove that you have enough for at least nine months.

“If you have dependents you calculate for each of them too. All these will be shown on the CAS shield and must be in the account for at least 28 days. You book your visa after your CAS has been released to you. You pay visa fees and health surcharge for you and your dependents if any.”

Seek jobs abroad as a professional

Many Nigerians have relocated to other countries where their skills and services are better appreciated.

As a professional, you will need a work visa to work as a non-immigrant, based on experience, age, education, and job offers, among others.

Virtually every country demands a work visa, but some have specific visas for different fields of work, such as information technology, healthcare, and teaching, among others.

You need to get a visa as an intra-company transferee if you work for an international employer.

Get a tier two (health and care) visa with a job offer from the National Health Service or related organisations; this qualifies you to work as a doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional.

Relocate as a missionary

As a missionary, you can get a temporary religious worker visa for a lot of countries. The UK and the US are some countries that allow this.

Read also: Countries luring Nigeria’s tech talents to relocate

Relocate through marriage

Getting married to someone from the country of your destination is one legal way to relocate abroad.

Many Nigerians have adopted the marriage route to relocate. You can legally relocate if you are lawfully married to a foreigner.

Relocate through permanent residency

Another way to relocate is by seeking permanent residency. Countries such as the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia accept permanent residency applications.

However, a permanent residency application takes as much as six months or even more to get approved.