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Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) (952528 Views)
Zahra29: 1:24pm On May 17 |
justwise: You make some valid points , but I don't think he's only referring to the care industry. There are other industries that can and should do more to recruit and train younger people. I have worked with and know young people on degree and other apprenticeship programmes who are studying and also working and gaining relevant skills in data analysis, electrical engineering etc. The willingness is there but opportunities like these are relatively few and far between. The government should do more to incentivise companies, such as a reduction in employers NI or grants (the Tories did a good job in the days of Cameron to promote apprenticeships) and to remove the stigma that still exists around apprenticeship programmes. |
jedisco(m): 1:26pm On May 17 |
Viruses: 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 |
dannytoe(m): 1:28pm On May 17 |
jedisco: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. 4 Likes 1 Share |
jedisco(m): 2:03pm On May 17 |
Zahra29: 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? |
Zahra29: 2:06pm On May 17 |
jedisco: LOL, sorry to hear that you're not in the right headspace today. Hope you feel better. I'm flattered that you still seek my input given as you just opined that I can't hold a decent conversation - interesting given that most of my views in our numerous exchanges have been proven right. Nevertheless, I'll answer your questions as I've always done. I would advise that you reach out to a Canadian forum on or offline - there are many Nigerians who have japa'd 2.0 like you to Canada so I'm very sure they'll be able to offer accurate and relevant advice. Let me know if you're still struggling though and I'll ask my uncle who lives in Canada. Although I'm not sure how much help he'll be as he moved there over 50 years ago with his Canadian wife and retired a while ago, so his input might be out of date. 2 Likes |
Cyberknight: 2:14pm On May 17 |
Jamesclooney: Exactly. Everyone's situation is and will be different, just like with the original decision to emigrate in the first place. |
Cyberknight: 2:17pm On May 17 |
jedisco: Lol. I must say this thread will be all the poorer when you and Zahra end your love-ins after you've toddled off to Canuck Country. 3 Likes |
jedisco(m): 2:18pm On May 17 |
dannytoe: 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: 2:19pm On May 17 |
Cyberknight: Be gentle please. Jedisco isn't feeling fine today - headache I think. 1 Like |
Cyberknight: 2:30pm On May 17 |
Zahra29: Oh, that well-worn excuse.... 1 Like |
Chukwuka16: 3:35pm On May 17 |
Let’s be real folks: life is leaving us far behind (1 Sam 22:1-2) David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. (2) And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. (2 Sam 22: ![]() (1 Chron 12:31-32) And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king. (32) And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. Hallelujah To God Most High Hallelujah To God Most High Most High God of Heavens Most High Ruler of the earth Most High King of Nations I have decided to start this write up quoting from the Bible. I feel pained as a Nigerian migrant every time I see us bickering on petty issues relating to immigration. I feel pained folks every time I see us arguing on things that should never be an issue because we have rejected knowledge. I always say this to my wife, and she hates it. I tell her, if I drop dead today, I’m dying a very fulfilled and wealthy man. This is because I have subscribed very much to the saying that “a society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” I have succeeded in setting up the foundation of an ecosystem that is enhancing the lives of folks within it and will outlive me as it grows, strengthens and begins to bear fruit that will impact humanity at large. The Bible verses I quoted from are core scriptures that have mostly shaped my philosophy about life. Life is built on systems and an understanding of how these systems operate is critical to enable us channel resources appropriately. The beginning of any system development starts with design. You want to design a model that describes how inputs are modified to generate an output. Reverse engineering is the same thing but from output to input. Why is understanding of a system critical – it is so because it enables you to get the best result from your interactions with the system. If you have poor understanding of how a gadget you purchased works, you won’t derive maximum utility from your use of that gadget. This is why manuals are provided to enable you understand what happens within the system (the black box). This is established across all disciplines and domains. As immigrants, we deal with a lot of systems. Immigration is a system. Behind the black box are a host of intermeddling equations governed by one key word – VALUE. This is why Global Talent Visa holders are not affected by the ongoing immigration rules neither are they or their spouses subjected to the very rigorous demands placed on immigrants on other routes. Another related system we deal with and closely tied to immigration is employment. Employment is a system. The black box again is governed by one key word – VALUE. What is VALUE? Value is defined by the owner of the system, and this is where the problem lies. Immigrants don’t get to define what is VALUE to the Brits who own and manage their immigration system. Employees don’t get to determine what their VALUE is to an employer. The employer does. It is the dissonance in valuation between us and the system owners that creates the unnecessary debates we engage in and leads to the limited outcomes and wandering lifestyle that is now almost becoming our identity. Don’t get me wrong – immigration is part of civilisation and can be leveraged to enhance our lives, but we must understand how the system works and be able to leverage it to our advantage. When engagement in immigration is because of survival then we become fodder for the wheels of immigration. It will churn us till it extracts every ounce of value from us and then spit us out wasted, useless and unfulfilled. There are many Nigerian immigrants who have been spat out after being wasted by the immigration system. You and I see them daily and sigh oblivious that they represent who many of us will be in a few years. I reject it – I hear you say. It’s okay, time will tell. That’s your future there – wasted, useless and unfulfilled. When you spend 30 years of your life to get ILR because you came in illegally or 20 years because the system has changed, what do you expect to do with the remaining part of your life? When you continuously can have your life upended by the system, how do you build security and certainty to setup the foundations for the empire that will guarantee longevity and sufficiency for your lineage? This is the daily travail of Nigerian immigrants – fodder for a system they lack the understanding of. Few years ago, having a PhD and publications allowed you to earn a global talent visa in the UK. In fact, many Nigerians in Nigeria did and got it. In fact, PhD students in my lab then simply got it because they were research associates. Today, folks with PhD’s and publications are being denied global talent visas! The system is redefining what VALUE means for that role and many folks will be stranded. 2 years ago, getting a skilled worker sponsorship licence was quite straightforward. Fast forward to late last year and I needed to secure one – it took me 5 months, with 1 interview and ring-fencing almost £200k in the salary pot of our business to prove we could pay salaries for the new staff! Now we have it and it is useless. If my staff will be subject to perverse immigration policies, they might as well come in with the GTV. Why the confidence – they worked within our system, participated in grant funded projects, have US patents (to be published mid-June), amongst other things. They will get the GTV and get their EB-1. It was our understanding of the system and its tendency to change stance that has influenced us in seeking attributes that are rare and will always give an edge. Almost anyone can have a PhD. However, the same cannot be said of a US patent. The cost (dear Lord), stress of persecuting (Father Lord) and the demand of novelty are critical inputs that stand patents from developed economies out. Beyond this, we are also ensuring our company continues to grow its reputation. We are authorised by the FCA. We have our ISO 9001 and 27001 certifications. We design and manufacture our own hardware and have them certified (UKCA, FCC, CE), have been funded multiple times by the UK government core agencies (with commercial launch planned for late May 2025), are completing our qualification as a VLP amongst others. I won’t write a letter today for my staff with our letterhead and it will be put aside. I might be an “immigrant” but one with reputation. Why this – because it matters. The system places a on my reputation and what I have managed. My reputation also contributes to the overall VALUE that the system will ascribe to petitions for our staff. I will plead with us as immigrants to start placing a on understanding systems and working hard to build ours to better leverage these other systems. Later this year I will have to unfortunately emigrate. I must because the next two projects I need to work on for our company (based on autonomous EVs and DSM for one, and the use of long-term flexibility to ease grid congestion for high energy demand s on the other hand) can only be done in San Francisco or Las Vegas (cities with flexible regulations for EVs and deregulated electricity grids). The patents for these projects will be filed within the next 3 weeks bringing our haul to 4 (2 notice of allowance received (approved) and 2 under review). This move will also involve a few of our staff based in the UK and Nigeria moving to the US. They will me early next year by God’s Grace with their EB-1s not H1-Bs. I can write this without any cash back up for this move yet because the system we have will sort us out. Last night I concluded that life could be hacked. Folks, as I conclude, let me draw from the last Bible age I quoted. While other tribes brought thousands of warriors, the sons of Issachar only brought 200 men – men that understood the times. We are entering into an age where the contestation for most immigrants will be between irrelevance and exploitation. In such a time, being exploited is better than irrelevance. However, I dare say there is a third option – THRIVE. We can thrive only if we are ready to pay heed to knowledge. Why am I here? What’s the plan? Form partnerships and try things, fail, learn, and try. When I did farming in Nigeria, I used to rant a lot here. I lost over 100 million Naira. That was an MBA to me. I learnt valuable lessons that could never have been learnt anywhere. We cannot continue to be fodder for any system. We can equip ourselves to better leverage existing systems to our advantage. The Indians, Chinese, and GCC folks are doing it. Why can’t we? 14 Likes 1 Share |
jedisco(m): 3:54pm On May 17 |
Zahra29: 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? |
Goke7: 4:35pm On May 17 |
Jamesclooney: The major difference between the uk and others is the disrespect for those already in the uk legally and working themselves out to integrate into the society. The same status you have in the uk if you're in other western nations you won't be bothered much as new policies are mostly targeted towards those who are still outside or about to make an entry. |
Goke7: 4:42pm On May 17 |
dannytoe:You're asking if it worth the struggle so folks should sit down in the uk and become overstayers or go back to naija ba? Many of the carers in the uk have so much professional experience back home that can leveraged on to get into the US legally. I wonder where this idea that so many Nigerians are never qualified always come from. I a funny argument a while back on this forum where someone alluded that so many Nigerians who came into the uk will never qualify for the Canada express entry system but am sure that has been busted now with so many who have since crossed into Canada from the uk You say the US is toxic, is the uk not toxic enough with all these disrespect for migrants or you think it's all about guns? phew. 2 Likes |
donstevee(m): 5:45pm On May 17 |
Goke7:You are not really correct as per the Canada part. On the express entry part,they will be highly uncompetitive .CRS scores are trending in the 540's . No way that someone from the UK without Canadian education,connection etc will score that high. Those getting PR's from the UK are only exploiting category based draws that Canada is currently running for those with valid experience in health care that is in huge demand. Remove that, your assertion that they would be competitive flies in the face as even the last draw was for 510. Those that get this type of scores usually have Canadian education(Masters most times),with valid Canadian work experience of at least 1 year, with a Canadian citizen /PR as sibling and some foreign work experience from back home. 1 Like |
erico2k2(m): 5:57pm On May 17 |
dannytoe:You are likely fail if you do decide to return to Nigeria without a British port, n that is open to debate, but what's the point?Why would you want to return to Nigeria and start applying for visa to places like US and Canada |
Jamesclooney: 6:16pm On May 17 |
Goke7: Are you not watching the news in the US with Trump? 😂 |
Goke7: 6:23pm On May 17 |
donstevee:Are people moving to Canada or not? |
Goke7: 6:24pm On May 17 |
Jamesclooney: Are you also aware the courts are hindering or restricting Trump? |
justwise(m): 7:10pm On May 17 |
Zahra29: Then they are providing a solution for a non-existing problem, the whole out cry about immigration numbers was mainly about the number of people that came in through care and student visa, The govt will not train the young people to work in care sector or fill in the spaces in universities created by shortage of foreign students. This govt turned the blind eye while they Rake in millions in visa and COS fees, thousands came in with little or no check, settle down then they are hit with this harsh immigration policy. Give it 2yrs this same shameless govt will start singing another tune 8 Likes |
dannytoe(m): 8:44pm On May 17 |
erico2k2:You will suprised that some nigerians don't care about that. As far they're able to gather enough savings with viable investments back home, They gladly come back. |
dannytoe(m): 8:57pm On May 17 |
Goke7:I'm actually referring specifically to those on a skilled worker visa waiting to get ILR that are contemplating the idea of moving to a new country because of the new rules. Like i told someone recently, I'm not saying everyone affected should pack their bags and return to Nigeria. Neither I'm i saying they shouldn't go to another country. Instead i said people wanting to go to the US should know the policies in the US ain't even better except you're sure of landing with pr straight. And for other countries, like i said before Immigration policies are beginning to undergo spontaneous change, as polical climate and public interest in immigration is increasing. Those planning to leave should make proper plans so as not to get caught in the cross fire. 2 Likes |
erico2k2(m): 9:08pm On May 17 |
dannytoe:Then you do not need to leave Nigeria if that's all what you want as no poor person can leave Nigeria, You got to be rich to leave Nigeria. That narrative you gave was true some years ago, not now. You deny your kids the chance of holding a foreign port. Those port are priceless. 3 Likes 1 Share |
dannytoe(m): 9:13pm On May 17 |
jedisco: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 ![]() ![]() 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. |
Cyberknight: 9:14pm On May 17 |
erico2k2: This. |
dannytoe(m): 9:30pm On May 17 |
erico2k2:I have said it before that it's better to get the port before talking about leaving the country for uncertainty because of immigration change, except the new country offers pr on arrival. But don't forget, everybody's opinion differ. Some people may not care about the port as far they can make investments back home for themselves they're fine. Lol, yes some nigerians spent alot coming to the Uk. Especially those that came on student visas without dependent from 2022 till now. But i can tell you many that came 2020-2022 with dependents spent a fraction of what people have to spending today to come to the Uk. Many came here with dependent that worked and paid all their tuition. Today you can't do any of these anymore, all these route have been closed. i know someone who didn't spend more than 3m relocating to the Uk in 2023 via the care route. So if such a person get investments back home and manage to save enough. You think they can't come back because you assume everyone who relocated to the UK spent close to 50m doing so?? 2 Likes |
Cyberknight: 9:31pm On May 17 |
Might sound cliched, but the whole reason why I embarked upon emigration was to secure for the children some of the things I've been able to have, which came to me, an ordinary member of the now-decimated Nigerian middle class, at great cost and effort. I've been blessed, I've been able to travel widely, I've worked internationally, earned some change, meet lots of wonderful people in various countries, generally had quite a good life by the standards of the place I left. I certainly want my children to have those opportunities (even if they decide not to avail of them) and unfortunately I don't think that Nigeria as it currently is and as I sadly think it will be in the immediate future (even though I desperately wish to be proven wrong) will be able to provide those opportunities for any appreciable segment of its population. 2 Likes |
Zahra29: 9:38pm On May 17 |
jedisco: 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. |
erico2k2(m): 9:42pm On May 17 |
dannytoe:I dont think you are understanding the situation, Do you think Naira has value? imagine 1 pound is 2170.Look once you taste the standard of life in the Uk you will need at least N400 to N500 M to call money, now do the maths 1 Like |
erico2k2(m): 9:44pm On May 17 |
Cyberknight: |
Goke7: 9:50pm On May 17 |
dannytoe: 😂 What are you saying? A Nigerian with his green port working in the Uk on a skilled worker visa with his Uk experience now get a job offer in the US or Australia which qualifies him for an h1b or work visa, you think will earn less than a Brit doing same job in those countries? haba, again where is this coming from? 2 Likes |
Treadway: 9:53pm On May 17 |
Goke7: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 1 Like |
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