afrikanbabe:
Hello Nairalanders,

I am a South African woman very interested in relocating to Lagos, Nigeria. I've lived in the country before so I'm quite familiar with the people, food and culture. I love the energy in Nigeria despite the hardships.
I would like to find out how South Africans living in Nigeria get their jobs, via international recruiters or friends or how? Also, how easy is it to organize the right papers? I am not looking to marry for green card oo... unless genuine love is concerned.

So any advice or leads, I'd really appreciate. Thank you folks

I’m in Lagos

samtol4:
do you qualify for Naija wives visa ?

How do you mean? The requirements aren't so difficult

afrikanbabe:
Hello Nairalanders,

I am a South African woman very interested in relocating to Lagos, Nigeria. I've lived in the country before so I'm quite familiar with the people, food and culture. I love the energy in Nigeria despite the hardships.
I would like to find out how South Africans living in Nigeria get their jobs, via international recruiters or friends or how? Also, how easy is it to organize the right papers? I am not looking to marry for green card oo... unless genuine love is concerned.

So any advice or leads, I'd really appreciate. Thank you folks

Well well.. what do fellow Nairalanders think of being based in Nigeria via a Niger wives visa

afrikanbabe:

The embassies don't help much.
I'm applying in the meantime
Considering niger wives visa

Nairalanders, what do you think of a foreigner marrying for Niger wives visa? Do you know of people who've done this? Please share

samtol4:
Visit Nigerian embassy in Joburg you will get information on this . More importantly you should start applying for jobs before u travel to lagos

The embassies don't help much.
I'm applying in the meantime
Considering niger wives visa

sholatech:


No, It Is not difficult to get Expat Quota. Business visas cannot be converted to Residency in Nigeria, only STR.

Business Visas can be extended in country but for long stay, are expensive

Okay that's good if it's not difficult. I've sent you an email Shola. Kindly let me know if received

sholatech:


Yeah, you can not obtain str visa from within Nigeria. The Ngo can really get Expat Quota from Nigerian Immigrations to enable you process Str Visa from Nigerian Embassy IN SA

Okay thanks Shola
Is it difficult to get an expat quota (on the company's part)
Also, what if I leave with business visa, can I apply for residency once in Naija?

sholatech:
To obtain a green card in Nigeria, you have to obtain str visa from your home country. You can't obtain str from within Nigeria. Do you already have an employment letter from company or NGO IN Nigeria? If yes, they could provide you with Expat Quota for processing the Str visa

Hi sholatech,

Thank you for your response. Points noted.
So what you're saying that it's impossible to get an str with Naija?
I could get a company to write me a letter but it's an ngo and don't think it makes the said money needed on the requirements to get the quota. Because the company applies for this quota yes?

Hello Nairalanders,

So I'm a South African sista planning my mission to relocate to Lagos, Nigeria - to read more on my quest, please see the link: https://www.nairaland.com/3841147/south-african-wants-live-work


I'm looking to get help on getting the right visa. Ideally, I'd like a residency card/green card and for that I know I'd need a STR (having obtained from my country) and go on to get the green card once in Nigeria. Problem is, I don't have all the documents needed such as expat quota. how hard is it to get the quota? What if the company is an npo? Can I maybe come with a business visa and apply for a green card once in Nigeria? Is this the same coming on a tourist visa?

How much would getting a green card cost?
Yes, I'd like a green card as I'd like to work legally in Nigeria.

The agents here in SA are asking for an arm and a leg and I simply cannot pay so much as leaving with an str, how sure am I that once I apply for green card in Naija that I'll get it??

I'm confident that where there's a will there's a way so I'm sure someone out here knows the ins and outs of Nigerian immigration.

Looking forward to any feedback on this

Thank you all

Veron265:


I've seen pix of the trip she took to the fish market.
Fish i haven't seen before....
(Malawi and it's stocks fresh water fish only)

She's fascinated by the 'gate-man, maid, driver' life....but that too no be new ting for me..... it's common place for the ROA I guess....

I'm awaiting more fotos.....July seems too far oo

@Pidgin2. She's sorted with accommodation etc. But I'm sure she can't be hosted forever either.

@Afrikanbabe she's got some job talks lined up ....I'll tell her you're looking for a marketing position...

Thanks dear. I've just emailed you by the way. Let me know if received.
Thanks

Pidgin2:


Does she have any contacts? I know someone that can sublet a comfortable house for three months at Parkview estate, if she's interested, Holla at me.

Hey pidgin...
I'm hollering... 3 months sublet can be doable instead of a year. Talk to me

Veron265:
Update

It turns out my southy friend has departed last night's flight.
I'm curious and excited to hear how it will go, how she'll like it etc.

True to what you folks said, the SA-9ja based companies are willing to lend and ear.
LinkedIn has done wonders, plus her known contacts etc.

As for me....I await a few pieces to come together

I want to know more! Success stories are motivating

Veron265:
@ Afrikanbabe
How is the job hunt going?
Is it not better you're on the ground in 9ja rather than here in mzansi?

I ask this because.....your story is a tad similar to mine....I recently relocated back to Mzansi....being here doing the search feels better. Although it's all web-based applications etc.
One interview thus far.....

Sure, I did all my schooling here and couldn't wait to head back and conquer MW...gave it a go and I think I'm better off here....

So I know this need to want to secure something prior to arrival.
But sometimes, one must take the leap of faith.
You know the turf, you have connects there....gather enough cash and tsamaya....we can go to SCOAN together if you like.....what will you have to lose right? Yes, no, maybe?

The job hunting is going dear. Slowly but surely.
I guess sometimes being on ground works better... hmm. To tell you the truth, I'm seriously considering that route - to be in there..

I've been watching emmtv of late and maybe visting scoan could be an option.

Let's connect

Hello Nairalanders,

So I'm a South African sista planning my mission to relocate to Lagos, Nigeria - to read more on my quest, please see the link: https://www.nairaland.com/3841147/south-african-wants-live-work


I'm looking to get help on getting the right visa. Ideally, I'd like a residency card/green card and for that I know I'd need a STR (having obtained from my country) and go on to get the green card once in Nigeria. Problem is, I don't have all the documents needed such as expat quota. how hard is it to get the quota? What if the company is an npo? Can I maybe come with a business visa and apply for a green card once in Nigeria? Is this the same coming on a tourist visa?

How much would getting a green card cost?
Yes, I'd like a green card as I'd like to work legally in Nigeria.

The agents here in SA are asking for an arm and a leg and I simply cannot pay so much as leaving with an str, how sure am I that once I apply for green card in Naija that I'll get it??

I'm confident that where there's a will there's a way so I'm sure someone out here knows the ins and outs of Nigerian immigration.

Looking forward to any feedback on this

Thank you all

Pidgin2:



You truly know Lagos sister

I dey try oo. Na my second home be dat

All49ja:


Many of your folks fails to admit. We the most accommodating people on earth. We love foreigners just like we love ourselves.

How far are you with the process, gladly update the house.

Enjoy Hun

Nigerians are warm and very welcoming people. and you're right, once they know you're from 'the other side', you're treated like a Queen. Though you got to be aware but otherwise, the energy, nothing like it!

Process is going oo. Slowey but surely.

Thank you All49ja

Veron265:
I'm quite an upfront person, so I'll be honest....yes....
My spiritual quest involves SCOAN....I had opted to keep it to myself since 'we' all have our opinions about TB Joshua.
They say "send a thief to catch a thief".....I'll leave it at that for now.

You lot are nosey abeg....either way, I'll come and testify upon my return. ( Afrikanbabe and Morpheus24)

#####

I'm coming for a well rounded experience, I'll have my moral campus....
No regrets, money well spent.

I'm driven by my tastebuds.....so, totally looking forward to all the chow I go chop,
Music is great, especially when live
Art and artefacts
And the basic Lagos Vibe

Do share on your experience when you get back please. and enjoy Lagos too!

morpheus24:


lol, I hope you are not coming to SCOAN to see Pastor TB Joshua o, lol

I don't know about your friends acquintance, **cough**, unless its heading towards marriage then fine, if not as far as long term, I would be skeptical.

As far as where to go well African babe has mentioned some good places. I will just add some others for night moves

Club Spice lounge
CLub Sip on Fridays
D'place in Lekki phase one. Good food, stay away from the Asun unless you can handle pepper
E Bar, good place to relax on friday nights but also good on sundays. Very chilled. Try their isi ewu there, very good
Sailors or bay lounge also in lekki, they have live entertainment

There is a market, I can't remember what roundabout in lekki it is, they sell beautiful artifacts for cheap, Ask around and they will tell you where it is.

Hope you have fun and have great testimonies to take back to your people.

PS. Speak up in Naija, we are very animated people but learn to draw the line between arrogance and confidence when you interact with the lay man in lagos

Hahah Morpheus, I thought the same thing (of SCOAN) and is why I asked her to share more.

As for the last point, I concur

Veron265:
you've made me LOL with the phrase 'Johnny just come' ....one thing I've learnt is theres always a local vs foreigner price abi....we go try our best to blend in.

For starters, I'm not spending unnecessary cash on an agent, the tourist visa specs seem straightforward.

I've also screenshot your list....it's well rounded.

Jare.....allow me to testify upon my return. Yes?

When are you planning your relocation? Is it Job first then off you go?

Well that's great. If you meet the requirements for the visa, go through the embassy.

Veron265:


Bless.....

Well, I'm largely coming in on a spiritual quest.....a demain to fulfil a 10 year dream.
Experience the Lagos vibe, cuisine etc. I'm excited about it, it's been long overdue.

My friend is banking on her aquaintances hooking her up etc. So no Job yet.

What has been your experience with the visa process etc.
###################

Ré Lagos....
Any recommendations
Not to miss attractions.
General advice

Its a 2 wk trip

With my visa, I got it through an agent as I didn't have all the required items.

I wish you and your friend a fulfilling experience.

Stay on the island as a first time visitor as mentioned by Morpheus.
Many attractions and things to do - check TripAdvisor and good 'ol google doodle. If you have friends then have them show you the rounds.
You have to visit the market. Check out some art. Have some local foods, suya, grilled fresh fish with some yam chips and pepper sauce mmmmh, boli and groundnut. Got to do a Lagos party of course. See tarkwa bay beach. Elegushi as well. There's other beaches too of which you can get other recommendations. Go to Lekki conservation center. Shrine for the best live music (in Africa need I add). I could go on dear.

Be alert.
If you act like johnny just come (newcomer) some may take advantage and overcharge. Explore with local folks if you can.

This just top of my head oo

Spiritual quest? Could you elaborate?

Veron265:
My friend and I are planning on visiting Lagos next month, fingers crossed.

She's dead Set on not returning....unlike Afrikanbabe, she hasn't been to Nigeria before.
She's aware of the pros and cons......so I guess, in a population of about 50 mil pax, there are SA babes wanting and willing to relocate.

*******
The thread prior to being derailed has been super healthy, thank you!

Hey Veron,

I am glad you found some good points from the thread. That was the whole point. To share information with one another and to inspire.
Tell me more about this venture with you and your friend... Exciting right? Did you guys get jobs? What's the story?

We surely don't have to stop on account of those who are using this thread to spread negative vibes and talk about things not related to the topic. I ask myself, why don't these folks start their own topics, or better yet, email each other, WhatsApp even. Anyway, if we can get back to direction, more sharing, then let's continuuue.

Bless

Jayceon:
that "SA this SA that" tune is going to end,Lionessza,ZarZar and of cause Me are gonna end it.we are the motherfücking Three Musketeers so any mumu villager that think they can talk smack about the Mighty Republic of SA and get away with it are dead wrong,we will be at their service...TRUST THAT AND BELIEVE THAT

Pathetic musketeers.

To end this wonderful thread...would like to thank everyone who contributed positively to this discussion. I'll look at all sites, companies and organizations mentioned. And soon, I'll get back here to let you know that I've made it. Wishing all the best for everyone here too.

Keep positive
Africa is beautiful! Will forever be

ZarZar:


Hahaha. Wow. But umy sister over there says you can listen to Fela's music waya waya. I don't know if his ghost performs or kanjani but anything is possible in Naija

Most condescending attitude ever! Goodness me. This thread was going just fine before all this your rubbish talk.

Tklabelle:


Spoke to this lovely soul Afrikanbabe on the PHONE and I can confirm that she is genuine and really SOUTH AFRICAN (You can't fake a SA accent) for those saying she might be a troll. For the 9jas coming at her for wanting to relocate there, open your eyes to the beauty of your place. I just wish that more South Africans were as open to exploring this continent. We need more of this to put an end to afrophobia. This demonstrates the true spirit of Ubuntu. These borders are man made, we all Africans.

So lovely speaking to you my sista! Ah, we spoke for long even. Amazing how this internet can link people yea?! You couldn't have said it any better.. a fact. These borders are man made. We are one. There is so much to explore and appreciate on this our Afrikan continent.
To more real connections and putting our best foot forwards.

Stay blessed,
And thank you

morpheus24:

I don't think that is advisable for her unless she has a good amount of money saved up or has a sponsor or people she can stay with while she is trying to do that.

The SA community in Nigeria are mostly White, the only blacks I am aware of work at the embassy, some banks and some energy companies and don't have any official organizations that cater for their people.

Correct indeed.

ZarZar:


It's not a matter of judgment but different perspectives I guess. Look, I'll leave this right here because it's no point trying to understand everything, until maybe I find myself in the same situation where I fall in love with another country or whatever. For now there's still a lot of questions, out of sheer curiosity & also to try make sense of things. Waste of time so let me back out.

Correct zarzar, very correct.. like you said, 'it's no point trying to understand everything'. You actually don't need to understand everything. It is well

KINGOFJAPAN:

If truly you're a san ( I have my doubts) then you are rare gem.

You said it Kingofjapan, I'm a rare gem!

Pidgin2:


Thanks dear, exactly. It seemed unbelievable to them that a SA'n will want to travel down here. When they couldn't understand it, they began trying to ridicule you and accuse you of not being a SA'n

I still wonder why they bother hanging out here, I used to think it was because they want to know more about our people and culture, I never knew it was to look down on us from their high horses

My dear, I wish you well. You will definitely get a good job and maybe marry a good Nigerian man in the process

Pidgin2 dear, thank you for the good energy. As for Nigerian man, hmm we shall see oo hahah

morpheus24:


If you were sharp upstairs it is easy to make sense of.

Case in point why has there been an increase in SA's going to Nigeria to visit SCOAN, TB joshua church. In a country that cannot even keep its electricity on or pipe born water, 84 SA's killed in a crashed building, any sane person would not travel there for any sensible reason, yet watching or hearing about this individual they are still eager to travel there. What is curious about that motive

Case in point a SA lady who has worked, visited and lived in lagos Nigeria for some time is considering moving back for what she deems an indefinite amount of time. She is familiar with the culture, the lingo and the people. What is strange or curious about that motive?

We can see through your innuendos my dear.

It's tiring this negative energy that these folks are bringing here. Boring actually.

ZarZar:


Well, analyse this: butt out! I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to her, comrade to comrade as you put it. If there's a person that should be analyzing my comment to her, it's her!

Zarzar. No hard feelings. It's all about the attitude you were showing, of which I responded in the morning. You and the other SA peeps were condescending, questioning my motives, even typing in Zulu so as to overstand 'my case'. It's really not that deep. I'm a proud South African lady, born and bred, that will be living in Lagos soon. It's a move I've once taken. Not new to me. If anything, take it as some sort of motivation to see Africa too. The world is your oyster.

DAPMAN601:
Hello, you might try to do a job search on WWW.NEUVOO.COM. There is a comprehensive list of almost all the jobs openings in Nigeria there.

Will check it out!
Thanks Dapman601

madjune:


It's well.
I'm praying for you. Amen.

Amen. Bless you Madjune