3 Countries Tightening Immigration Rules for Nigerians Seeking to Japa

As the trend of “Japa” – a colloquial term for emigrating from Nigeria – continues to rise, certain countries are tightening their immigration policies, making it increasingly challenging for Nigerians to relocate. Notably, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada have recently implemented stricter regulations.

Australia’s New Visa Rules

Australia has introduced tougher visa regulations for Nigerian students and other international students amid a record high in migration numbers. The new rules, effective from this Saturday, will increase English language requirements for student and graduate visas. Additionally, the Australian government will now have the authority to suspend education providers from recruiting international students if they consistently breach rules. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil stated that these measures aim to drive down migration levels while fixing the system they inherited.

A new “genuine student test” will also be introduced to crack down on international students primarily looking to work in Australia. More visitor visas will come with “no further stay” conditions to further regulate the influx of migrants. These changes follow a series of measures taken last year to end COVID-era concessions, including unlimited working hours for international students. The Australian government had increased its annual migration numbers in 2022 to address workforce shortages caused by the pandemic, but this led to added pressure on the rental market, with net immigration reaching a record 548,800 in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.

United Kingdom’s Immigration Policy

The United Kingdom has also tightened its immigration rules, particularly affecting international students. A significant policy change is the no-dependant restriction, which means Nigerian students can no longer bring their families to the UK. This decision was made in response to a surge in net migration, prompting calls for urgent action to control immigration figures. Additionally, the minimum salary requirement for obtaining a skilled worker visa has been raised from £26,000 to £38,700, further limiting options for Nigerian migrants.

Canada’s Increased Proof of Funds

Canada has announced that starting from January 2024, international students will need to show a new proof of funds amounting to ₦16,050,000 ($20,000), more than double the current requirement. This change aims to ensure that students can support themselves financially during their stay in Canada. However, the government has extended the waiver on the 20-hour per week work cap for international students until April 30, 2024, allowing them to work more than the usual limit while class is in session.

These changes in immigration policies across Australia, the UK, and Canada reflect a global trend of tightening regulations for Nigerians. As a result, Nigerians looking to emigrate for better opportunities must navigate an increasingly complex landscape of rules and requirements.