NewStats: 3,261,460 , 8,174,084 topics. Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025 at 10:56 AM 1n341c

Righteousness2:
Only Spirtually , Mentally and Physically blind Folks will criticize Kemi for speaking the Undiluted Raw fact

Listen to yourself. I'm sure you'd say same thing is similar treatment was meted out to your people.

Religion is truly the opium of the masses

Does the person who took those pics know that this could count as sexual harassment. If he thinks they have committed a crime, he should report them to the police.

Senseless

Goke7:


this was the reason they exempted those on a healthcare visa and also refunded those who worked in the healthcare sector who paid IHS previously.

I have seen a British couple who migrated to the US do the math to prove that the health insurance they are paying in the US was cheaper than the amount allocated to healthcare from their yearly taxes in the UK. Now, those are citizens born in the UK, before we even talk about immigrants who paid IHS and are not working in the healthcare sector, to even get a refund. omo e get as e be. Like you said, it may make sense to very low-income earners or those not working at all, but to many middle and high-income earners it's a very big NO!

Hehe.. this your 'no' carry vex.

I thank God for the covid claps and evident need which made taking away IHS for health workers a sensible thing to do. Even for those working outside healthcare, they already pay income tax and NI which is used to fund healthcare. Unfortunately, I don't see it being removed anytime soon.

True, the cost of regular health insurance in the U.S doesn't seem to be exorbitant and with good enough cover you get prompt and good care. The downside is that it manytimes leads to over-investigation but thats a story for another day.

Goodenoch:

1. We're discussing individual choices but overall statistics give an inkling of the average experience, as opposed to focusing on outliers which is what people earning 75k in the UK or 150k in the US are (both circa top 15% earners in each country).

You're fully right though, ing savings to self-insure, and that's where individual analysis comes into play. There are certain salaries which would make me pack my bags and get on a flight this evening to NY, but again statistics reflect that such offers are very rare and that's where using public health stats to assess individual risk becomes neccessary.

Is £75k actually top-15% in the UK? Interesting.
I agree, certain pay uplifts there are surreal. But even on a direct level, on comparing the pay for most roles - nurses, engineers, IT folks e.t.c, the average pay there does come out significantly higher. This is not even taking into consideration that the U.S is a more vibrant economy with better labour mobility and options to choose from both within and among states. This would allow many build side-gigs e.t.c. Housing is for the most part, relatively cheaper too or at least, you get a bigger house for your money.

2. As to why most US people aren't calling for a public healthcare system, I don't know but it doesn't matter. Populaces around the world regularly vote for foolish things that come to bite them in the butt.

Hehe.. Brexit. For some reason, they generally seem more opposed to universlly free healthcare. Maybe it's capitalism at work

3. I'm not saying the UK NHS is the best healthcare system in the world. It's very good and substantially justifies the tax levels, is my sole point. Obviously there are a lot of areas that need to be optimized but the UK ranks very high on the vast majority of public health metrics.

The UK system is brilliant but I don't think it justify the tax paid. Or better put, the cost would be much less if certain safeguards were in place. I manytimes tell myself that if people paid £5 per visit (with appropriate safetynets), that would at least cut the number of s I had by upto 25%. Imagine what the consumption of petrol would be if it was 'free' at gas stations
Free stuff no dey belleful.

Goke7:


When I get my Tax summary and see how the government spends it every year, and see what goes in from my tax towards healthcare, and consider what I have also paid for IHS, when I add it up, I feel scammed, the so-called free UK healthcare being preached is over-hyped! and that's the conclusion most skilled professionals have realised. This is not to bash the UK, but stating the obvious from personal verified data.

The UK health model is brilliant but gone are the days of it being the lone-shining star. The entitlement it breeds might ultimately be it's downfall.

IHS is double taxation for anyone paying income tax and NI.

Even if we went to a mandatory co-pay insurance model, it'd cost much less than the IHS to get health insurance for most.

The way resource utilisation in health systems work is like an inverted cone in many regards. It's said that roughly 10% of the population will consume 90% of the health budget. Due to number of reasons, many migrants are unlikely to be in that 10% for a good period.

Goodenoch:


It's not falling through the cracks when between half and two thirds of bankruptcies are due to health issues. https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/scheinman-institute/blog/john-august-healthcare/healthcare-insights-how-medical-debt-crushing-100-million-americans

Is the discussion here about healthcare systems for a nation or individual decisions based on healthcare?

As an individual, Europe (esp the UK) is a good place especially for lower earners with its many safetynets, the downside is that growth is quite restricted. If I was to survive on a minimum wage job (with no progression) in both countries, the UK is a no-brainer.
OTOH, a 75k (gbp or usd) earner here could manytimes earn the equivalent 150k for same job in the U.S. The person in the U.S would pay less tax but have less employment benefits. They could decide to still use savings to get good healthcare cover and still come out better at the end. Between UK and the US, the direction of flow among working professionals is quite clear. There'd be a reason for that.

For a nation, the European healthcare system is better. But then, have you ever wondered why despite all those, instituting a free healthcare system does not seem to be a vote winner for Americans? Even Obamacare faced loads of opposition. I used to also wonder why a country so rich wasn't pushing thru with unviversal free healthcare until I appreciated certain unsaid nuances. America is an outlier in many respects and their unbridled thirst for 'growth by all means' does have it's downside.

If the discussion is about healthcare systems, them some fee paying ones are arguably better than the NHS. Singapore for example set up their health system to minimise some of the issues they envisioned would arise with a universally free one. They made sure for the most part, people pay for it with appropriate safetynets. The UK spends about 11% of her GDP on health, they spend less than half but still have brilliant outcomes (even ing for lifestyle choices)

Cyberknight:


Labour is U-turning upandan on previous policies like the WFA and 2 child cap, under pressure from Reform which is picking up and adopting policies anyhow. The proper left is on the march as well. Ms. Rayner called for an increase in IHS and other measures to make things tighter for immigrants. Even The Guardian is firing warning shots (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/25/the-charts-that-show-just-how-worried-labour-should-be-about-the-polls).

Policy-wise, the WFA seems to have done them the most havoc. Haven't met any older person who wasn't seething at the mention of it.
It makes the prospect of our triple-lock more interesting as years roll by.

justwise:


Couldn’t have said it better, the fact that you get treated first despite your immigration status is a huge plus for me. You can not put a price tag on the value of the healthcare system here.

For a population, a system like the NHS is enviable. On an individual basis, the considerations are different.

Many people could double their income and pay less tax while doing same job just by moving to the U.S. An out of pocket insurance would cost much less than the extra tax paid in the UK and also guarantee prompt care -reason why many head that way.

Also, it does seem that universal free healthcare is not a political priority for most Americans. They have interventions that protect most who are struggling and many Americans would say the scaremongering about their healthcare seems to come from Europe and is hardly that way on ground - of course, this is punctuated by stories of some who fell through the cracks.

Lastly, the NHS model is increasingly being called into question. While brilliant, it's sustainability as it matures is suspect. Bottomline is that people would tend to misuse what they see as 'free'. Some countries are now able to achive better or similar outcomes while spending comparatively much less. Even in , folks pay for GP appts, in Canada, many clinics would charge for missed appts (just like my UK dentist would), in Australia there is copay e.t.c.

Worshipping mediocrity

Treadway:
long long thing

The answers should be like
Based on the refusal/acceptance rates, No, the UK was not easier to enter or Yes, the UK was easier to enter.

You could also go a step further to say the US or Australia or Canada were easier to enter with 50% rejection rate. Na opinion wey you dey entitled to, but at least state your answer clearly. I stated mine clearly, you just typed up another long story without a particular position.

In fact, at least with that same warped logic, we can say Oxford University and Harvard are also easy to enter. Those that went to Teeside only chose to go for Teeside, not that they couldn't have gone to Harvard/Oxford/Yale

Again, you do not cherrypick a 2-3year period out of decades to describe an immigration system - a period nation the nation sees as a mistake and is looking to punitively correct. It's like describing a rapist as being kind cos they gave their victim tfare.

No need belabouring this- these things boil down to perception. I agree with you. As per your initial post. UK was so easy they were even paying folks to come study here. Those who came here should thank their stars and accept whatever - they'd have been living on trees otherwise.

Treadway:
but wait o Jedi, you still no answer the quesshion o. Jedi oya dahun ibeere mi, answer the question. A portion of your response was def an answer quite alright, but indulge me with an answer that is explicit and clear. Based on those stats, which of those three destinations logically and reasonably is/was/can be deemed to be easiest one to enter/get/achieve?

I'm not letting you go just yet😁

Because na literally wetin we talk wey bruise fragile egos be that


I take God beg you, no make e long💯🙏🏼👏🏼

In 2019 refusal was around 35%, in 2022 refusal rate was around 60%, 2023 - 38%, 2024 (when everywhere began casting) above 50%. Meaning between 2019 to 2024 at least, the same time period, some people were having 100% success rate and others were having from 40-60% success rate... across various nationalities.

But no ooo, awa professors here say it wasn't easier🤣

Again, you are cherrypicking and coming to undue conclusions. You are taking a relative rise in recent migrants to the UK and using that to drive a narrative. That's not how to handle data.

First, looking at modern migration, it has always tilted towards certain groups at different points in time. It's not down to some genetic quality hiding somewhere. What you're doing is taking a small subset from a short period and using it to make vast extrapolations. What happened to the period between 2012 and 2020? How many Nigerian students saw any future in the UK? Compare that to the number of PRs canada handed out despite the fact we have little historical affiliation to them. Getting into Canada would have been easier for me 6 years ago. Geeting a Canadian PR was also several levels easier than the UK ILR - migration is manytimes individualised.


Secondly you're making the error of correlating the relative increase in number of arrivals over the last few years to some undue benevolence. That's false equivalence. The reason you saw more people arrive was down to need and the political error around Brexit. That is why the populace and the political class increasingly see those arrivals as a generational error in need of fixing. Who is to say that if the time to ILR is made 10yrs today for them, some other government would not double it to 20? And you'd still come preach benevolence- afterall, they wouldn't have got in elsewhere.

Two issues here is that first, the Canadian system has over decades let in more people and secondly, the relatively rise in the number of immigrants into the UK recently is not due to British benevolence.

Goke7:


Let’s not mix things up, those am referring to are never recent migrants, they are the so called egbons with scarcity mindset who feels the recent migrants are choking them up and must be expelled so they (recent migrants) can go sit their butts back in naija. That’s how they hate it when they see japa 2.0 and condemn it saying it’s not greener anywhere. I can tell you that most recent migrants who were initially carried away with the rhetorics from kemi and co are now seeing things differently especially those who are yet to get ilr cos hand don touch them now and everyone is now getting aware of their rights. The most religious ones have even taken their case to baba God cos e no funny again. I have a colleague who is a great irer of Trump who recently told me e no know say the baba wicked like that 😂 I said tooo abi na FAFO!

Treadway:


Na just student visa acceptance/refusal rates be that o...not even fierce competition like express entry. If no be canny wey try small by introducing category based draws (which both home-based and foreign-based are benefitting from), and the recent caregiver scheme for example, I for like see just how many of our very super competitive mid 30's to 40+ year olds wey enter to study in youkay for fit enter canny on express entry, since according to una many of them go fit hit 500 and above CRS points, as una don learn
French for that youkay wey you dey so, and have become 10years younger 🤣🤣🤣

Again, I think the issue here is the mentality.

Canada did not 'try' to let in anyone. They did no one undue favours. Thaey needed the skills that were not served by their previous system and updated their system to get those skills. Need vs want again
Some countries such as Ireland, Canada, U.S Aus/OZ after years of lack and its attendant effects have become much more receptive of foreign trained medical professionals in certain fields. Again, they are not doing those coming an undue favour. They need those skills and both sides tend to benfit.. Even with the proposed changes, why is the UK still looking to exemp certain folks?

Every immigration system has it features. The UK has commoditised its immigration system hence it might seem more accesible to certain groups but same also can be said of others. People would find what suits them.

Zahra29:


I have no idea what your tenants might think I'm afraid, there were no riots or any type of disturbance in my town or neighbouring towns so I have no experience.

Goke7:


Their desire is to see migrants being chased out of every western country, that’s why they like Trump so he can chase out their fellow Nigerians out of the US. Very despicable lots! And if you observe you’ll see folks who are not regular contributors here come out immediately they read or see people are being advised to try elsewhere. phew!

Hehe..
No let am vex u. There is freedom of thought and speech afterall.

I think for some, all these things come in phases especially for recent entrants.

After saving and praying for japa and hearing all the warnings on how to 'behave'. When many land, their main focus is not to upset anyone but rather please the 'natives' (as someone put it). That's why recent entrants can be quite timid and is not helped by certain aspects of our culture and tribalism back home.

After a few years, they get to understand the system and see those who feed off their taxes chancing them- na then many dey begin get mouth.

Sometimes, you hear harrowing stories based off this. A teacher recently told me of a case years back where the son of a recent migrant was bullied by a fellow student in school. The offending pupil has touched his privates and called him names. The boy reflexly slapped the other and it got to the principal and a meeting was called. Rather than the parents to speak up for their son, they cowered, came home and started scolding their son telling him not to put them into wahala for this abroad wey dem don manage come.

The child returned to school but was a shell of himself. Continued to be bullied and subsequently dropped out and became a delinquent and later started questioning his gender. I'm sure the parents would looks back and wish they were less cowardly earlier on.

TouchOfSpice:

Hi Everyone.

Please i will like to seek your opinion , With the ongoing challenge regarding the proposed immigration policy,

Is now a good time for an immigrant currently on a Skilled work visa to consider buying a house (Prior to the release of the white paper, We had indicated interest in buying a house, our offer has been accepted and we have started the mortgage application process.

After the white paper release, I have started developing cold feet and reconsidering my deceision ,

What would you advise>

Thank you.

Overall, this seems to be a good year to buy a house, rates are dropping and prices have cooled.

A way I approach such dilemma is asking what my options are

Are you imminently leaving the UK?
If not, do you want to continue paying rent.

Home buying in the UK is well regulated. If you leave, you can decide to sell or rent and receive the money wherever you went to.
Many of my colleagues who left sold their houses for good profit. I still partly regret not buying early on.

Again, what are your options?

Treadway:
Jedi, all this one no necesstri.

Again, no need to add all these jara. I'm not talking about ease of integration. I said and I repeat, IT WAS SUPER DUPER EASIER TO ENTER THE UK COMPARED TO OTHER WESTERN NATIONS DURING THE PERIOD IN REVIEW AND MAJORITY OF THOSE WHO TOOK ADVANTAGE DID SO ON THE BASIS OF THIS AND ALSO AS THEY WOULDN'T HAVE STOOD MUCH OF A CHANCE ELSEWHERE DURING THE PERIOD IN REVIEW.

I'm not talking about you or outliers...I'm talking about the overwhelming majority of cases...


Note: I intentionally chose to use overwhelming and majority together for prime emphasis

I'm not talking about integration, I'm talking about entry. You do seem to have a point but feeding strongly off the common but false narrative that migrants here should thank their stars the UK let them in as no other developed country would. Little wonder folks are left scratching their head when these migrants head on.

First, it needs to be said that humans move as groups. The reason why you have lots of Asians in say Hounslow is not because the council made it easy for them.

Asides spousal visas, virtually every arrival in the UK is here on the back of their own merit. In Canada, a number went in off relatives already resident as North America favours family migration. Infact, folks could sponsor their parents and grandparents.
Over the past decade numbers show it has been significantly easier to get into Canada than the UK. Nigerians may have favoured the UK but that does not change the fact.

Thirdly, migration to the west is based on need. There is limited blanket 'ease or difficulty'.
More carers came in during covid because the UK needed more not because it was 'easy'. They had a skill the host nation needed. Same with students- they had the money the host nation needed after the shenanigans of Brexit.

Lastly, when comparing migration between nations, you need to look at the whole picture, not cherrypicking the best of one and comparing it to the worst of the other.

Goke7:


Is it not when people here are encouraged to consider other options that some folks here will come up and remind everyone that Nigerians are not qualified? The uk doesn't want people to stay but it becomes headache to some folks here for them to try other options but are happy to see uk drive folks away. Which kind of devilish attitude is this?

It's mind-boggling. I being told here how me and fellow 'migrants' like chasing 'utopia' when I mentioned I was considering relocating years back. I wonder how many of the millions of Brits in Can, Aus or U.S have been accused of chasing utopia.
Their thinking is that if we were not let in, we'd be living on trees in 9ja- afterall no other nation would let us in and Britain is soft-touch. Their expectation is that we remain forever subservient, take anything thrown at us and not complain. Whats worse is that this is also chorused by some migrants
Like I always say, the west sees travelling as a right but for most of Africa we're made to see it as a privilege.

Zahra29:


Thanks 😂 Although you're not "letting" me. It's pretty obvious now whose views were fact based and whose were led by emotion.

re the bolded- are you planning a riot/protest? I'm not a rioter or fighter oh so I don't want to know any details thanks, lest I become an accessory lol.

He was born in the UK (to British parents before you accuse him of being an "anchor baby" ) :/ and moved to Canada with his Canadian wife when she wanted to return home. Happy wife, happy life and all that good stuff.
I don't think I've ever heard him refer to himself as an expat but he's not hung up about migration classifications like you.

Not a riot- just an investment. As you know, in the process of winding down, I had been looking to get an investment property for over a year and contribute to my home country rather than take the money to Canada. For a while, the numbers didn't work being in the south especially with high interest rates. However. I recently got one that ticked most boxes. The other day, it hit me that one of them is located in a town that saw some protests during the last riots. Some conversations I had here flashed back including the 'we don't think alike' one. At least, if there is another riot and folks accuse migrants of making houses expensive, they can point in my direction - I would not complain.

Currently completing a few finishing cosmetic touches and I might conduct interviews for potential tenants soon. I wonder what folks would think about paying rent to a Nigerian-British expat who lives in Canada.. hehe. I would be updating you. Like someone here recently said, what would the 'natives' think?

My prayers are with him and his family

adesbaba:
Hello all,

Please which part of Calgary feels okay to stay and with at least a sprinkle of naija or multicultural persons.

Went to check an apartment at Northeast today and everyone was just staring at me(95%) of the person's I saw were indians.

PS:if you have an agent ,I don't mind.
Wifey is starting a program at UCalgary

Thanks

Why did you choose NE?

Was the house cheap or was it close to your workplace?

Re: the bolded, I found Calgary quite multicultural. Even if you live in a mainly white area, you'd do just fine. I'd focus more on closeness to work and essential utilisies. If one has kids, then schools e.t.c.

Treadway:
but it's true.

The UK was super porous and super easy to enter, just about anyone who could arrange POF did...anyone. They didn't even need to actually have the money...third class sef enter🤣

The ratio of people that came in with a skilled work visa vs those who came with a student visa would be like ratio 1:100

Canada on the other hand only just introduced the tech, healthcare and other draws in 2023/2024, including the recent caregiver pilot which both Nigerians and UK based Nigerians who have those specific experiences/qualifications are now using and benefiting from. Prior to those updates/specific draws, they wouldn't have stood half a chance....cos they would have to be young, with masters and have high ielts and tef/tcf scores...How many of the folks who flooded the UK even wrote ordinary IELTS? Lol

Make we no dey fear to talk the simple truth jare. Dem no see Canada, US or Aussie before dem choose the 'far easier' UK

You have it wrong here. Also, easy with the exaggeration, you know these numbers are publicly available.

All factors considered, the UK is several magnitudes more difficult to settle in than Canada.

The issue here is thst people keep comparing apples and oranges. First, migration to the west is based on need not want. So if a nation needs a particular skill and opens their borders for that, you can't then use just that make general claims on their overall migration policy. I will not get into a migration pathway that needs carpenters...

When I considered leaving Nigeria- of the 3 countries I gave thought to (Canada, U.K and Saudi), UK was the most tedious to get into. I shared here how a lady ed me and offered to partly foot the bill plus POF if I agreed to body with her (for purposes of migration). I know many colleagues who went the Canada route and this was even before covid.


Its good you mentioned Canada which has a population of 40million as against UKs 67
Forget anecdotes, lets review numbers.

-About 7% of Canada's population are temporary residents. What's it in the UK?

-Look at UKs ILR numbers then compare that to canada which has been consistently more than double that of the UK. Last year they issued 485k. The UK wants to upend its system at the propect of issuing a few more.
-Even with students- until recently, college students in Canada were allowed to bring dependents. Till now, masters students are still allowed.
-This is not even counting citizenship by birth or the ability to sponsor parents or grandparents (recently paused)

Let me ask, where do all the entrants going to Canada come from? Abi they have 2 heads?

There are large areas you get into in Canada and see the number of people with little command of English and it becomes obvious the UK wouldn't have let them in.
Fact is people move in groups and with many things, theres a positive loop- the more people go, the more others are likely to . This largely s for the number of Indians in Canada- it's not the number of heads

dannytoe:

You haven spoken well.
But as Nigerian you really can't be comparing yourself with a brit working as an expatriate in those countries earning more than he/she would ordinary make in Britain.
The comparison is unbalanced.
Reason being the brit is born with a first world port that alone has many Benefits beyond the reach of an average Nigerian with a green port .

But when you get your port, of course you can travel relocate to anywhere you desire and become the Brit that working far from home earning higher.

Hehe... I think I get where you're anchoring your point from but my issue with most of these discussions has been the mentality. If a man thinks he can't do well because he's somewhat inferior, then the issue is not with his capability but his psyche. I'm not in the habit of comparison but I find the first paragraph depressing -reason why I keep saying travelling is education. You'd benefit from exploring more nations. But let me ask, why do you think the comparison is unbalanced?

You make a point about staying back for the port which holds some water. No need beating around the bush. I'd give you personal examples.

1. One of my friends in the UK was a vet. Was sponsored for work here. He got a research role in Quebec (a French speaking part of Canada) and he doesn’t speak French by the way. He left after 18 months in the UK. Last time we spoke- no complaints.

2. A few years back when I completed my training in the UK, it took me at least 3 weeks of consulting and deliberating to decide on staying back for the extra 2yrs it'd take to get the port. Main reason was that I now had family here and was developing a sentimental attachment. The funny thing is that most people I asked in Canada told me to forget about the port and come over, those on this side said wait for it. I know at least 3 colleagues who did not think staying back for the port was worth it and some left on a visa and visited soon after to sell their houses. Afterall, you only need one strong port they said. None has regretted that decision. I can absolutely guarantee that if it was a 10yr wait, I would have left without a second thought.

3. Most nigerian care workers are degree holders. I have even met a lecturer who works as a carer. Are you telling me that if they are offered professional or better paying role in other countries they should all let the opportunity because they are waiting for a port?

The bottomline is that these are highly individualised and people are able to make calculated decisions. Being abroad helps widen peoples scope and avails folks wider opportunities.

Zahra29:


LOL, sorry to hear that you're not in the right headspace today. Hope you feel better.
...

I'd let you carry that 'trophy'. I once came up with a list of all the areas you did well during the last riots. Too bad, I'm on to other stuff now. Talking about the riots, I have something interesting brewing- should I share?


Please, do ask your uncle. I need all the information I can get and dont mind tapping into your reserve. By the way, is your uncle a fellow British expat or did he move from the Carribibean?

dannytoe:

All I'm saying is that immigration policies are changing around the world in a sweeping manner. For those countries still with friendly policies it's a matter of time before nationalist politicians rise up to change the narrative, as time has shown in the past. It may get better or worse in the future, no one knows. So it's better to make plans on what you have at hand than embark on a new journey of uncertainty in order to escape one country to another. Except you're sure of arriving there on a pr.
Well, i haven't compared with Saudi Arabia before.
Besides I don't see why anyone would use Saudi Arabia as a reference point. A country where you're banned from pr, citizenship and even marrying their women.
Personally i rather return to Nigeria than relocate to Saudi Arabia.

True @the bolded. Change is constant and opportunities come and go. I've seen the Saudi Arabia comparison made here. That said, I wouldn't call all migration a journey of uncertainty- more of a calculated risk/experience.

It doesn't even have to be on a PR. Many Brits relocate to America on a visa. I know a friend who left for Australia within the last month. Chap was earning 6 figures, had only just got his citizenship and is married with teenage kids. Ticha here mentions how she revels her experience living and working in NZ as a teacher even with teenage kids and she hopes to travel more once her kids are out of the house.

We are sensible enough to make good decisions for ourselves. The world is meant to be explored.

All thing being equal, If I was earning 50k and got an offer to earn 50% more in another country with good perks even on a work visa, I'd give it good thought. There are loads of Brits in UAE despite they not having permanent residency status. Over 40% of Canadians are of British heritage. When I interact with some white folks abroad, I'm manytimes impressed by how far they've travelled- to them, travelling is a right not a privilege.

Zahra29:


Lol, you're clearly still not paying attention.

I dont have the headspace to engage in your shenanigans today moreso given you struggle to have a decent conversation.

However, I'd throw you one. Perhaps you could help me with something I've been thinking about.


On emigrating, I'm wondering what to do about my state pension contributions given I dont know if/when I'd return. Certain considerations-

1. I gather there is a reciprocal agreement where contributing years here could count for me in Canada and vice-versa.
2. I could apply to keep making voluntary UK NI contributions as a non-Uk resident. That way on retirement, I may have access to both pensions. Still looking in

Overall the Canadian system seems more convoluted and less generous being a more capitalist state. With theirs, it sounds like folks mainly get what they put in and they do not permit voluntary contributions for their non-resident citizens whereas, the UK is more of a subscription model where abt £900 counts as one qualifying year i.e its cheaper and also pays more in retirement. Of course, these could change. All said, in certain aspects, the UK does tend to treat her expats relatively well. I gather this is historic.

What are your thoughts/advise?

Viruses:


How does this work if there were no visa restrictions?

Without visa restrictions, you're free to work whatever hours you wish as an independent contractor and handpick what jobs you do. Or you can mix and match to a suitable degree. Of course, it depends on your field.

One pathway that works was a mix of both. Part time job with say a govt employer and the rest of ones work done independently.

That way you can get the best of both. The steady income (for living expenses), progression, paid leave, pension of the paid job. While having a ltd co where you dont need the funds helps one to tax defer, invest, contribute to SIPPs, electric car benefit e.t.c

Goke7:


That’s where the issue is, folks don’t really enjoy the reward of their labour and the so called free healthcare and other perks don’t really compensate for the huge chunk of taxes. It’s also the reason many prefer to rely on benefits than to work themselves out for others to benefit from their huge taxes

True- those earning well feel they are over-taxed with not much to show, while many don't see the point to work.

Except is exceptional cases, the free healthcare for someone on good pay is hardly an advantage. Many high earners who left would get better access to healthcare by simply employing part of the money saved by paying lower taxes while earning more elsewhere.
The ISA and SIPP are largely unmatched but then, one still has to earn to put in those.

dannytoe:


So last last jumping from one country to another may not cut it for some people especially those who have invested alot in the UK already.
The best thing like someone has suggested before, is to consider investment in Nigeria and nurse the idea of a possible return back home in the future.

You make certain points with the rising right wing narrative. However, I've always found it quite troubling that whenever changes that'd disproportionately affect us are put forward, some would look to excuse it by looking for the worst elsewhere. The other day it was using Saudi Arabia as an example. It's like telling someone suffering abuse not to complain cos others may have it worse. Is that not the mentality that has left some parts of Nigeria in a sorry state?

What you have is a mash-up of what you cherrypicked as the worst of several nations including random media debate. What about the areas where those nations perform better than the UK? Or is it a competition for the worst?

If today, visa fees were raised to 10k, ILR to 20yrs and we're excluded from buying our homes, would you still say afterall, 'Saudi Arabia does abc'?

With migration, people take opportunities where they see fit. Travelling is education. Always worth ing that when it comes to migrating, we as a group have hardly moved.

Raalsalghul:


At the bold is why I think it's not an intelligence issue. Even if you cannot create or invent, you can at least "copy" or "outsource".

Our value system as black people has kept us at the bottom of the ladder.

As you believe this, what are you doing to change it?

Goke7:


It's all fantasy, moreover they can't complete much in not only attracting but retaining such skills in comparison to their western peers due to wages which is what has never been addressed.

We thank God for economic mobility- e dey help.

Wage in the UK is a tricky one. While the UK has one of the highest minimum wage, median wage and pay for professionals (especially) lags its counterparts. Higher earners do quite some heavy lifting in taxes but get relatively less out of the system.

There are loads of very generous interventions- from 12.5k tax free allowance, to free healthcare, nursery , good state pensions e.t.c. that are not roundly available in most countries.

NewT123:
This news touch me o! I hope they don’t do the 10 year wait. It’s already draining counting down to the 5year route. An additional 5 years could lead to more exploitation of workers, desperation and the feeling of being less wanted. Instead of encouraging integration with the community it will foster more separation. Many may not want to leave because of the uncertainty elsewhere. There will be more borrowing on the parts of immigrants leading to more struggles to pay the exorbitant visa fees. It now seems that seeking asylum may become a more faster route to settlement as once successful, you are granted a settled status ( not encouraged though). Well, it’s their country and their rules but if implemented, it is a clear breach of contract as this wasn’t what was promised before many embarked on the journey. Let’s watch as the story unfolds

'Integration': Another buzzword which actually means 'see yourself as inferior, forget your culture and say nothing'

5 more years would make it easier