How To Japa From Nigeria For Free. Are you a Young Nigerian who is interested in seeking greener pastures abroad? Then this article is for you. In this article, we have carefully outlined ways you can travel out of Nigeria For free. You don’t need to have money.
It’s no secret that the Socio-economic climate of Nigeria is forcing thousands of people, especially the youths, to seek greener pastures in western countries like Canada, the US and the UK.
While the increasing rate of people leaving the country continues to spark several debates, it doesn’t necessarily stop you from walking to an embassy, taking a visa interview, and boarding the next plane to Europe.
What is Japa?
Japa is a term used by Nigerians to indicate Traveling Abroad to seek greener pastures. Most Nigerians who are tired of the chaos and Hardship ravaging the country seek ways to travel out either for studies or for work, and often times use this term “Japa”.
Check also – NHS Jobs with Visa Sponsorship (Move to UK for Free)
5 Things To do before you Japa
1. Prepare Yourself Mentally
Compared to what social media might have you believe, living aboard is not glamorous or luxurious as portrayed. Many of us, when we hear names of countries like the US or the UK, have a particular notion that once you arrive there, there is a money-growing tree planted on every street.
If you think the hustle in Nigeria is complicated, wait till you get to a place where you are not a citizen. So, ensuring you wrap your head and mind around where you are going isn’t all rosy and fun; you are bound to face challenges.
2. Acquire different skills
We are not sure who needs to hear this, but stop relying on one skill alone. While it’s advisable to have a niche, some situations, like your travelling abroad, call for the need to gather more. Having several skills gives you a better opportunity to be hired and doesn’t limit your employment prospects.
The skill you think makes you a boss in Nigeria could be obsolete in another country. For example, if you are very good at sealing a product, it would shock you that when you go to another country, they don’t hire people for that because they use machines.
3. Build a strong relationship with family and friends at home
Listen up! Not everyone is out to destroy you. Many people make the mistake of not informing their family and friends when they travel out of the country, only due to the belief of “my village people.”
This is quite understandable in a way, but that doesn’t suffice for the need for you to open up to those people who love and care for you.
Imagine in a situation where, after informing no one, you face problems; you would lack the courage to reach out to the home and ask for help. Keep your trusted family members and friends updated. Who knows, they might even be an avenue for your success.
4. Set your goals
In the same way, not going to the market without a list of items is how you should never plan to relocate abroad without setting your goals.
Goals are like a guide to what you want your life’s final destination to look like. They help keep track and serve as a constant reminder of what needs to be done and achieved.
Journeying to a different country comes with other distractions, and goals are a way to measure if you allowed these distractions to overwhelm you or if you made the desired progress.
5. Know someone
No man is an island. Before you japa, it would be an advantage to know someone in the country you are going to. This person helps serve as a sort of guide, teaching you how to survive the waters of the foreign state properly.
Remember that a person doesn’t need to be a family member or a friend. It could be a friend to a friend or a trusted pal you met on social media.
How To Japa For Free
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.
Recommended – Fully Funded EPFL Scholarship to Study in Switzerland
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.
Read also – How to Get Study and Work Permit Visa in the UK
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
- 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.