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Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 10:47am On Feb 05, 2025
Goke7:
😂 they are already asking baba Trump to give them (SA white farmers) refugee status in the US. Funny people.
Lol... lunatics. They should come and apply for assylum in Nigeria

If the economic situation in SA doesn't improve, it's only a matter of time before it becomes apparent to many black South-Africans who really owns the wealth of SA.

So far, xenophobes have been fighting other Africans. Once they're done.... hehehe
Travel › Re: Living In The UK: Property,Mortgage And Related by jedisco(m): 10:41am On Feb 05, 2025
Abuja1914:
Thank you so much.

I still want to know if property with chain is worth going for and at what time does one start to pay the mortgage?
Being worth it or not depends on your situation, the chain and what you make of the property.

Chain-free tends to be preferable - a reason why its always included in the advert. But then, a good number of houses which are not new are in chain so excluding them is excluding a huge portion of the market.

You need to consider many factors- how long the chain is, how urgently you/others need to need to move, how well you like the place, e.t.c.
A chain of say 3 people where the top person is waiting for a new build (which is on-track) to be completed is different from a chain of 5 where some have little urgency to move.

Your mortgage usually starts counting on the completion date.
Travel › Re: Living In The UK: Property,Mortgage And Related by jedisco(m): 10:33am On Feb 05, 2025
ToyosiR:
My house-buying journey has finally come to a successful end! 🎉

.....
Congrats to the newest landlady.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 11:13pm On Feb 03, 2025
Goke7:
😂 I just like how each country Dey collect wotowoto from Trump so tey South African President Dey shalaye up and down as Elon don enter South Africa matter. Countries whose citizens were all rooting for Trump earlier now crying now that their sovereignty is being attacked. Am just having fun cos most folks underrated how far and bizarre Trump will go. At least Nobody now is talking much about leftist media and DEI responsible for imposing tariffs on them.
The right wing in affected countries are beginning to lower their volume. Na the sweet part be dat.
He's difficult to predict and no one knows whether he's trying to drive devious concessions or actually being serious.

SA is obviously driven by Musk. Folks like him are largely against correction of certain effects of their oppressive apartheid regime- ones that saw whites come to own own over 70% of agricultural land despite comprising <10% of the populace. They don't want to be asked how they came about ownership in the first place.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m):
Saccharine:
Well done! I'm making same move as you soon once I tie up loose ends.Please be updating us.
Did you do the exams or just got a job and moved?
How was the process etc. I want to read your thoughts on comparisons especially career wise
Are you medical?

I thought about it 2 yrs + ago and began considering options. This time lag let me do things at my time..
Then, the non-exam route to registration had some restrictions so I opted against it and took the 7hr long exam. Now most provinces have waived this requirement.

In thesame vein, just before I started, they created skill-based PR draws one of which was for medical professionals which I subsequently knew about, welcomed, and applied for. After 5 yrs on a visa, I wasn't keen going down the work visa pathway again with all its restrictions (as is the case in Aus). So, while prepping for the exam, I applied for PR. Aside from sitting IELTS again (which was straightforward), everything needed was more of a tick-box. I just had to wait as anything regarding migration in Canada takes time.

After the exam, I didn't progress with the registration until I wanted to go. Costs do rack up. When PR was out, it gave me the freedom to decide on a province I want + visit and see things myself, open a bank account e.t.c. I remember narrating earlier how I was wowed by the reception the bank gave me. Including connecting with their account officer for medics. On return we set up a meeting and they discussed what offers they had available and connected me with a mortgage advisor.
So far, I've dillydallied as I have a pretty good set-up in the UK with earnings right at the higher end, but on the other hand, balancing all variables, I see the mid-longterm potential in this move. It's very difficult to get a direct comparison, not because people are hiding stuff but cos Canada is highly flexible. I.e work pattern, responsibilities, earning e.t.c.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 4:53pm On Feb 03, 2025
justwise:
You know Canada will soon be 51st state in US? That is potentially 3 passports for you lol
Hehe.. Trump and his folly. I wonder why he's not advocating for Mexico to be an American state

I wouldn't lie and say I didn't once have the U.S passport on a list of my wants. But certainly not the way Trump is going about it.
For Canada, it's PR now (like ILR), after 3 yrs na to decide if I'd add their passport on (likely). A U.S. passport would be nice to have but the tax implications would put me off.
Eitherway, his revocation of citizenship by birth has already been suspended by a judge. Nothing stops me from giving kids that opportunity.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m):
Goke7:
I can’t see Trump tariffs on your letter 😜 All the best bruv!
Hehe... Thanks. Trump is a loose cannon. Canada was ill prepared having been following U.S back to back for decades but it's a clear warning to other 'allies'

I don't blame UK cozying up to China. Keir Starmer had sense and sent Rachel Reeves to China to solicit for 'investments'.
Travel › Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by jedisco(m):
Maria96:
grin . They are now maxing out credits and loans on their way out of the country. I didn’t mention name o
Interesting that on a weekend when Trump is slapping tariffs on Canada- a move which has the potential to push the nation into a recession, this is what you come up with. Infact, you posted this same day after the news broke
Most Canadians are united in protecting their future but you're still here pointing fingers. You see how as a group, you may not be considered part of a conversation before it even begins?



Back to the CCDebt, have you verified that claim?
If true, do you think companies just hand out credit cards willy nilly to everyone that asks without due diligence and risk assessment which factors in defaultees? Someone able to amass that amount on CC allowance is not an everyday stroller. Has this been a pattern with cumulative effects significant enough to warrant looking into?
Or alternatively, have you made your mind a tool for hate bots (which now litter the internet) to fester on as they drive more of such to you in your closed-off cocoon?
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 4:20am On Feb 01, 2025
lavida001:
Can anyone explain why Americans give out these humongous foreign aids to country’s. What do they stand to get in return?
We've touched on this before.

The initial question is what is aid and where is it sourced from?

Aid enables america extend its influence and hegemony. Main part of this is helping the USD remain the world reserve currency. The true cost of aid is miniscule compared to the benefits. Also remember some of that 'aid' is used to finance other 'objectives'

Anything that'd see the USD lose its top place would be the end of American dominance.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 4:04am On Feb 01, 2025
BTW, I recently received a warm-worded letter from ndi-Canada.
It read; 'Thank you for choosing Canada!' - I replied; 'You are very welcome my people' (soon to be compatriots, I hope) grin

Looking forward to a new adventure- abeg make una wish me luck.

P.S if any is eagerly waiting for me to leave, do remember that a Brit always thinks home.

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 3:55am On Feb 01, 2025
Zahra29:
If some immigrants are willing to come in to work for the wages being offered, then it's a ultimately a free market.
Free market I see. So we should excuse our government who gives out our 40k visas to workers when we have a litany of Brits who can do those jobs?
Remember your much repeated example about HGV drivers and how you praised the government for resisting calls to further open the visa route for them which may have ultimately resulted in higher wages for local drivers?

Sure, if you say so. I suppose the hundreds of care agencies whose sponsorship licenses were revoked were subsequently able to get their licenses reinstated.
No need engaging more about this as its a sector I know like the back of my hand. I agree with you majority of the carers who arrived have since had their visas revoked and they have since been deported. Hopefully, those who remain receive their ILR promptly as there are a growing number of unhappy folks it seems. Hope you are supportive of our carers and families getting their ILR and becoming citizens in 5 + 1 yrs (or sooner)?

Zahra29:
As far as I know , the student visa route has not been closed or changed so why are these 2000 international students not coming in? Could it be that a currency depreciation coupled with an increased cost of living is more to blame for the fall in international students from certain countries?
What is your recommendation - UK universities should offer home tuition rates to foreign students to attract them in? (As many already offer discounts and payment plans)
As you know, there have been multiple changes in the IS visa scene of late. That is a major issue Cardiff Uni VC and many other unis have highlighted as a major driver for their woes. If you want a refefresher- ask.
My recommendation- the government needs to see to it universities get adequately funded especially to train Brits in important fields so we dont keep relying on migration. Tgere are largely 3 options- reinstate direct funding, increase fees to make up for the years they were frozen or make it easier for international students (who subsidise British tertiary education) to keep coming over. Should I also share what my recommendation would be to the Canadians (when I get there)?


BTW, I'm still keen to know what point you did realise Brexit was/would be an own-goal
Also, why were you so particular about the relationship between China and African nations?
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 3:21am On Feb 01, 2025

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 3:20am On Feb 01, 2025
missjekyll:
You haven't heard from Kemi in a while?

P.S : Just a general word of caution, I would be careful accusing anyone of using AI generated wording. It comes across as very insulting especially to people with English as a second language .
Sounds like " your grammar is so good,there's no way this could be you. You must be using a robot" .

We learn English from the age of 3 in Kindergarten so Yes Our grammar can be that good.
Kemi hasn't been up to a good start as the Conservative leader. It seems there is this uneasy silence among many conservatives about her- many who are waiting for the right time to strike. Polls haven't helped eitherway.

Regarding the AI accusation, you need to understand where its coming from. Whenever Zahra is cornered, she comes up with such - its a coping mechanism.
I remember when she used to chourus how migrating Africans were the reason for NHS wait lists as we bring our many untreated ailments - on countering that, her escape mechanism was accuding me of hating Brits. It was also what she resorted to when the '..but' tactic failed during the riots. Or was it international students e.t.c there's always a tantrum she ultimately pulls out. Initially I used to wonder what is going on, but these days, I expect it.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 5:15pm On Jan 30, 2025
Goke7:
They should go and meet Braverman (who is now ready to wash plates for Trump on top Chagos Islands matter) for funding.
Hmm. Thanks to Kemi, I haven't heard from her in a while... what story are you upto?
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 5:14pm On Jan 30, 2025
Cyberknight:
Serious bone of contention there.
I've expatriated myself from Nigeria to this country, but I'd argue that the UK does not need the levels of migration it's had over the last few decades. However, its owners do, and that's why once the Tories had turned off the tap of cheap but ultimately-not-cheap labour from eastern Europe/the EU, they quickly turned on the tap of really cheap cheap labour from the rest of the world.

The people who own and run this country need more and more incoming labour to keep wages down and latterly to keep their property values high. That's all it is - venality and self-serving on a par with the lowest office-holder in any given publicly-derided-as-corrupt country.
There could be argument for pros and cons.
I don't think there is a large conspiracy by a few people.
The issue It seems is that most westerners approach the migration issue as do we want more migants or not.. whereas the actual question is different- it's do we want to pay higher general and council tax to fund care needs? do we want to pay more for uni fees? do we want to pay more for local fruits and veg? Are we ok to tax the working young to the teeth to fund the ever rising number of seniors (a number growing by 300k every year)? e.t.c

The issue with the UK I belive is that majority of the general public think its not needed and kudos to them have consistently voted in that light for over 20yrs whereas when politicians weigh the alternatives, they know migration is the easier one. Its down to this that the conversation hasn't moved on to how many are needed. If this was the case, Brexit wouldn't have happened.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 4:47pm On Jan 30, 2025
In other news, a member of the Russell group and the biggest uni in Wales would cut 400 more jobs and close their nursing department. This is despite an increased fee for local students set to come in this year. For perspective, this uni has over 1000 nursing students and Wales is short of over 2000 nurses. In future, I wonder how the government tends to fill roles in nursing which is in shortage around the globe- migration I guess. Sure they said they 'hope' to distribute the numbers but isn't it easier to fund the current structure

Guess who/what is mainly being blamed? International students.
I remember being told here that IS contribute only 2% to unis funding and that it'd be mushroom schools and obscure courses affected.

2000 international students might have been all that was needed to keep that department going.

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 4:14pm On Jan 30, 2025
Goke7:
GB News has become the Fox News in the UK grin

You think our care workers send anybody papa, let them apply for ilr first, make I see who wan deny them
Don't be surprised that what Farage would campaign on at the next election -make pathway to ILR 10 years.

Just like with Trump- many are more interested in humiliating migrants than in lower numbers
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 4:11pm On Jan 30, 2025
Zahra29:
Farm workers are on a seasonal visa post Brexit, not a long term visa route.
That's not the point. Why grant 40k visas to seasonal workers who'd be paid low wages and could be exploited when we have a teeming number of British youths who could pick fruits? Those workers are reducing pay in the sector. The government should rather let shortages ensue so farmers pay the right wage for British labour. Innit?

Of the 100k care visas, how many were subsequently revoked when checks were tightened following revelations of rampant abuse and CoS racketeering - which was unexpected and unprecedented on the work permit route.
Relatively very few (as most in the community/sector know). Also, most who had their visas cancelled were subsequently able to secure sponsorship elsewhere.

Care visa issuance is now significantly lower, at a more reasonable level that meets real industry needs, without exploding migration figures. There is still a lot of underground scamming going on unfortunately where individuals are paying for CoS that then turns out to be fake.
This was only going to happen and aside limiting dependents was welcomed. Another concern is why it took so long deapit the governmentbeing well in the know. Jobs in the care sector are now becoming more available (like times past) with many carer now being chased around for shifts. In my current group, I've seen a few ads of care facilities seeking willing candidates for immediate sponsorship.

As I highlighted before, the oddity of the last immigration system was than many who used part of their school fee to secure a care visa would ultimately have an easier route to stay. Some have pivoted out of care to toter roles or even got an NHS role. Whereas, most students were shafted manytimes over mainly via schoolfees and PSW with many having to subsequently pay to secure care visas after their studies.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 3:50pm On Jan 30, 2025
Goke7:
And now they are complaining about ilr for same workers. abeg I don tire jare

Low wage workers equals low prices of groceries if anyone is in doubt they should ask the US right now
On this, see GB news has picked up where Telegraph left on. Whether they like it or not, those hundreds of thousands of care workers (and their current family + future kids) would be fellow compatriots before this parliament is over.
Most still dont know many can vote even.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 3:43pm On Jan 30, 2025
missjekyll:
You supported Brexit? Lord give me strength!

You are invested deeply in this country and you support Brexit?
I m interested in your reason....
*long post

As a head of the EU once said, the EU is a beautiful garden... I'd add, its one well walled and only benefits those within.
Brexit was one of the best things that happened to commonwealth members interested in remaining in the UK. To be clear, I wasn't here during the vote but on arrival and paying attention, it didn't take long to see the benefits. I'd list;

* Pre-brexit, there was the RLMT (resident labour market test). This meant that before giving a job to a migrant, it must be shown that there was no one in the local market who was suitable- major issue was that 'local market' was any EU citizen who applied. This was even the case in the medical field as regards to specialist/GP training where international docs already in the NHS but on a visa were largely limited to whatever was left after the Brits/EU citizens had applied irrespective of skill. This caused significant stagnation to many colleagues who came much earlier.

* Loads of uni students came from the EU hence it was easy for the government to close the PSW pathway and ship out others once studies were done. Some students weren't even allowed to see thrir graduation. The PSW today, is thanks to Brexit.

* Care was traditionally filled up by EU migrants. The visa pathway and opportunities it gave many was thanks to Brexit.

* Group attainment - this far superceeds individual attainment or personal investments. As a Nigerian/black person, you want to see like folks doing well. This can only be achieved when you have the right cohort. No doubt, many who came recently would go on to do very well for themselves in the coming decades.

Even for the government

* Brexit meant Britain was opened to global talent. Everyone who isn't Brit has a relatively fair playing field and local companies can go for the global best.

*UK is well sought after and Brexit allowed the government commoditise migration. It's now a revenue generating stream with visa income increasingly used to fund public services be it the NHS, civil service pay or even new police officers (projected). Just look at the visa pathway for some EU countries and you'd wonder.

* Whether its funding unis and keeping local fees low or keeping social and care costs from spiralling- migration has helped regulate costs in the current economy. A good balance is important.

* Diversity- I live in a county that's 95% white. A reason I haven't left is due to the changing demography. Our local group has gone from tens to several hundreds, we have a better knit community with regular meetups, kids see like faces in their school, we have African shops and even a restaurant. I remember a Jamaican lady almost break down in tears seeing African kids playing together in church - she recounted how there were only 3 black folks in the town when she arrived decades back and what her kids (though mixed) passed thru

* Kind of migrants- pre-Brexit, many EU folks could strole in and out with access to services right away. Today, migrants are forced to contribute more than their fair share before even coming in, have to meet strict criteria and show that they would be good nembers of the society before given longterm stay. One can argue that may be better for the country. Time would tell.


The UK needs migrants as the last few decades have demonstrated. It is better for the economy that that migrant pool is global rather than a select few. There is a reason Germany despite its struggles hurried the admittance of over 400k folks recently. Record levels of immigration has helped the UK economy stay afloat.

The downside is that leaving the EU makes the UK a loner in a changing world, also it limits access to the EU market which is huge. Sure, the UK was a vital member of the EU but they overstated their importance. These are not the days of Rule Britania. You can't eat your cake and have it.

My issue is that many who voted Brexit had an overinflated view and never saw these. They felt they'd 'control their borders', sleepwalk into favourable deals and still benefit from the EU without paying the price.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m):
Zahra29:
A long story just to admit that the UK economy is still one of the best performing in Europe in spite of the many challenges it has faced, including the own goal Brexit. A recent poll showed that majority Brits would now vote in favour to remain/rejoin, as experience has since shown that the grass was much greener where we were.

The economy is not showing resilience due to record levels of migration.

Some Caribbean countries have been discussing reparations since I was a little girl. At this point, it's become friendly sparring over a cup of tea. Nothing new.

Every country needs China now, even the US, though it likes to deny it. Difference is that some countries are literally allowing China rob them blind.

"Some deal with Nigeria" - not the first time or the last. Besides didn't Nigeria just sell off some mines to France? I wonder what Nigerians are getting in return for this "investment". Any insight on this?

As for Canada, when you move over you'll quickly come to realise that they are in far greater need of your AI generated advice. Lol
AI generated .. hehe. Not surprised. When boxed and unable to address issues, you always come up with these hallucinations - it's either whataboutism, accusing me of hating my fellow compatriots, accusing me of fraud, looking for typos. Now its 'AI generated response'. I'd take that as a compliment.

To issues (tinted with whataboutism)-
Of course, many Brits have learned their lesson but I think they need a biblical 40yr 'wilderness experience' to be sure lessons were well learned. BTW, at what point did you realise brexit would be/was an own goal?

To China, I'm very sceptical of the western narrative about them and a huge fan of the very sensible president of Barbados who has made good statements to this effect. She is also ramping up the narrative on reparations - good woman! As as I've asked a few colleagues when they bring up the loan issue, I'd also ask you - why do you care?
I can't speak for the whole of Africa but regarding Nigeria, Despite China initially making funds available, we dillydallied due to dubious western-driven narratives and did not take good advantage of the desperation of the Chinese to attain global influence. The overwhelming majority of our loans are from western nations/bodies and we've seen that 1 usd from china has proven more beneficial than 10usd from the west. But then, after all the shenanigans by Parliament, I wasn't expecting Rachel Reeves to queue for Chinese aid behind Museveni. Thankfully, she got something- the new Heathrow runway would be partly funded by China. They can start advising themselves now.

Mines to France? I see that has been sensibly addressed. And to add- I'm all for sensible foreign investment.

You keep mentioning Canada- I wonder if you're seeking to throw jibes. I don't see them as any different from the UK - they are another country with different opportunities for me to exploit. I see myself as a global citizen and whether Can, UK, U.S. Aus e.t.c I don't care- it's my goals I'm bothered about and would contribute to any mix of suitable nations to get there.
Travel › Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by jedisco(m): 1:59pm On Jan 30, 2025
SIRTee15:
Don't worry
I've discussed with mods and decided to drop it.

U can send your money to any of your family members that desperately need it. I'm sure they will appreciate it and pray for U.


But don't quote me again in this thread or anywhere else on this forum.

I believe this thread is big enough for both of us to write our opinion without quoting each other's post.

I repeat, don't quote me again.
Otherwise, that my attention U looking for, U will get it.
cheesy

You'd sure be a source of good entertainment at a pub.
Travel › Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by jedisco(m): 1:58pm On Jan 30, 2025
I remember having a discussion here following the recent rape gang uproar as someone was pointing out how immigrants have wrecked the UK.


To be clear, it's an inexcusable event. What is also wrong is rather than addressing root causes, people attach an ethnic colouration to it all in a bid to drive hate. It's also highlights the importance of understanding the reason behind media headlines before reposting.

The Rotherham scandal which Musk resurrected happened over a decade ago, it was investigated and had a 7year enquiry with recommendations submitted to the last government. That same government refused to act on recommendations for over 2yrs while they remained in power. Now, they are out of power, they are looking to instigate the whole issue and are calling for another 7yr inquiry. Of course, with a new inquiry sitting, the issue would always be in the news and they'd keep painting an ethnic colouration to it to drive up an anti-immigrant agenda without nothing actually being done to prevent a recurrence. Thats dubious and its good the current government saw thru it which people still looked for a way to spin.


What they didn't say was how has also been committed by white gange to little uproar
Now a new group has just been convicted. Reading through, crimes are too horrific to posy. Where is Musk’s uproar about 'white gangs'? why is the opposition not asking about an enquiry or calling perpetrators 'Scottish rapists'? Why is the opposition not pushing for an inquiry? Or are they not equally worried about the victims?
This just highlights another reason to read through headlines so as not to be a tool in the hands of media houses.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2dxj570n21o

Travel › Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by jedisco(m):
IseeJoy:
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Why not share your thoughts, advise/snippets here. That way, you can build a network and people would contact you INB. With time, it might even spin off into a seperate mortgage thread
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 10:57am On Jan 29, 2025
justwise:
Yes mod can edit posts, personally only when personal details are exposed, fraudulent materials are included or the individual is advertising stuff
Interesting. I'd argue that posts are better hidden as per the 'disclaimer: every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.'
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 10:40am On Jan 29, 2025
Zahra29:
Depends on what part of the commonwealth you are referring to. Because the UK has strong ties with several commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia, NZ, Singapore and parts of the Caribbean and is seeking stronger ties and trading partnerships with others such as India.
.....
Lol.. Brexit was won on the delusion of 'British exceptionalism' and the thinking that the UK would sleepwalk its way into trade deals around the globe. Lets see how those went

*The first main deal with Japan is estimated to add <0.07% to GDP over 15 yrs and mirrored the deal the EU already had

*The second deal with Australia was roundly condemned by British farmers and left the Australians gloating about how good a deal they had extracted. It was even mocked on Australian TV as presenters asked wgat the UK would export to them. They forgot health workers perhaps.

*The deal with the U.S which was a major hope was first quelled by Obama who had already warned that the U.S would prefer to deal with the EU should the UK leave. When Trump came, he asked for the NHS and that was it.

*The deal with Canada has been abandoned as the Canadians couldn't extract a good enough deal.

*That of India was also abandoned despite the PM personally going there. The Indians rightly wanted to send a few hundred thousand people along.

*Of late, we've been inundated with stories of Chinese espionage only for the UK to break ranks with its western partners and head to china seeking 'investment'.

*The Caribbean folks are waiting to be approached so they can discuss reparations grin

*Oddly, it seems the UK was able to sign some deal with Nigeria.

There have been whispers of CANZUK and now some return to the EU customs union which we only just ran away from.. lol.. another delusion. But then, you've been hoping on this deal for a long time..

All this while, trade with the EU has been falling with over £27b lost prompting the BOE governor (who should be non-partisan) to raise alarm. True, the economy has shown some resilience mainly thanks to record breaking migration which we welcome.

Finally, as you know, I'm not against Brexit- I firmly supported it and would vote leave if we had a referendum today. In the future, I'm open on a return as that would open up opportunities in Europe. I just don't understand what benefits most of my compatriots who voted 'leave' were reasonably hoping to or have achieved
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 10:03am On Jan 29, 2025
missjekyll:
America is a good example of late stage capitalism(failed state with rampant wealth inequality). We already know socialism doesn't work. The best model is to merge the best parts of both ideologies -it's called Democratic socialism and is practised in the nordic countries and by Labour in the UK.....
What has labour done to make you think they are headed the route of nordic countries? Also what makes you think the average Brit is really interested and willing to pay the price for that economic model? They seem neither here nor there - rather trying to finetune the current model.

PS. Thank you for your concern . Luckily I was in an index fund so others picked up the slack . I highly recommend index funds for everyone.
Ever wondered what'd happen when an overwhelming majority switch to passive index funds as is set to be the case? That might just reward poorly run companies and move the alpha to active funds. Still a hypothesis but time would tell.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m):
Goke7:
Bigotry is a terrible thing!
Very.. Reminds me of these articles I came upon recently. Written a decade ago but if you subsitute Romanians for xxxx, you could just about repost it today and no one would notice. What I find interesting was that after giving up a generous position in the EU, the government now had a generational opportunity to reduce 'low wage' workers. But then, same government went on to hand out over 40k farm and 100k care visas respectively.
Why not let farm produce rot in the field or grocery prices rise even more so Britain pay the right wage for British workers?

Migration Watch chairman Lord Green of Deddington said: ‘This analysis clearly demonstrates that some means must be found to curb low-skilled immigration from the EU if immigration is to be brought under control. 'East European workers have a very good reputation for their work ethic but the fact that they are so overwhelmingly in low-skilled work raises real questions about their value to the UK economy. They add considerably to the pressure on public services.’
https://archive.is/55jNZ

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 10:51pm On Jan 28, 2025
Goodenoch:
Thank you.

My risk tolerance is quite high due to my age (I have 4 decades to go before the statutory pension age, maybe more if it keeps creeping up haha), hence I’m fine with even substantial volatility.

However…..😄, given the events of the past few days and the deep sink in tech stocks (which I’m heavily exposed to via my Mag7 ETF), I’m rethinking that strategy.

I’ll probably just go for a mix of SCGH (my favorite ETF) and a select few stocks. As to how I’ll select those stocks - I’m certain that large tech companies will outperform given how dependent everything is becoming on their infrastructure and services, plus how much political power they’re amassing (I hate it but one might as well profit from it).

SCGH is still heavily weighted toward large cap tech but the presence of other stocks reduces the risk somewhat. For instance despite the huge drops in the Mag7 since the weekend, SCGH has been mostly stable.
I have a few decades too though hoping to start pulling out in 2 decades +.
My approach is slightly different. I am being more cautious as I want to be sure I'm not chading where the action has been. The way I look at things, most of the mag 7 have their cap in trillions of dollars. How long would they continue to outperform? A 2x increase will take another 2 trillion. Bar inflation, is that growth still tenable in the near future? AI was supposed to be the next growth front but that is now looking shaky. The life-changing money I believe is in finding the next Tesla/NVIDIA. Only thing is that just like venture firms, you might have to buy 10 bust/mediocre companies before getting the one. If I was picking stocks, I'd want to have some alpha I feel I could rely on to beat the market and not do it randomly.

Also looking at cycles, large US has done well for a decade+. Money might slowly move to small coys or other parts may pick up with largeocys hovering around current valuations. In stocks, I dont have that alpha hence stick to global ETFs. Elsewhere, I may do the risky.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m):
missjekyll:
Till then. No the UK does not copy from the US. Thank God. We copy from the EU thankfully.
....
The UK is neither here nor there - floating around with no firm economic blueprint.

They had the option of being the financial and economic headquarter of Europe but they opted out.

They have refused to come closer or dine&wine with the commonwealth and build their network in those nations.

They are still clinging on to some vestiges of socialism and not ready to be capitalist enough, obedient enough (or wipe Trumps butt clean enough) to be Americas best friend or 52nd state perhaps.

We delude themselves about China copying our stuff but still frolick around China seeking investment. If I was the Chinese, I'd add UK to the Belt and Road initiative together with developing nations seeking handouts.

It's neither high tax or low tax e.t.c. The government needs to form a blueprint, communicate and chase that.


missjekyll:
I m very happy about this although I lost money. It means the UK can afford some of that AI it so desperately needs without shelling out trillions for it. Money no dey
You lost money? Were you buying NVIDIA at recent valuations?
Well hope you're in the positive when China inevitably realeases their own chip which would almost certainly be cheaper and likely less power-hungry.
Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by jedisco(m): 10:12pm On Jan 28, 2025
lavida001:
These people are delusional that’s the truth. A woman was saying her 3 years old son keeps telling her that he is a girl and he keeps choosing girl clothing hence the sole reason she allow the poor boy to be placed on puberty blocker.
Issue is that there are sensationalist stories on everyside to push their entrenched narrative.
Even for something as straightforward as vaccines where there is a reasonable scientific consensus, we've seen how the waters had been muddied talk more of an area where the scientific backing is still very early. This story hardly happened- it's a 'puberty blocker' and a 3 yr old is hardly close to puberty (usual caveats).

A young child mentioning such can be understandably distressing for many parents. To some it's alarm bells and they go for a full lockdown, some others want to show they are hyper supportive and go ahead to change clothes e.t.c. Many times, taking things one step at a time and understanding than young peoples minds quickly change does help. Also, other parents do become hyper resonsive when they notice certain changes/stories in their kids mates.

lavida001:
Still MadeinChina they are known to produce bogus tech stolen from the west. Not that im in support of the west in any way. Competition is essential to drive innovation.
Hmmm... Knowledge is addittive we know and only very rarely do we get through 'innovation'. In their ascent to power, the Chinese have been remarkable.
From Huawei, to EVs, to Tiktok to AI- America is increasingly relying on bans to stiffle their growth and innovation. I am happy we live in this world and not in one of few decades past
Travel › Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 by jedisco(m): 9:43pm On Jan 28, 2025
RodgersAkpafu:
The Chinese will definitely make their mark on the world this century
I admire their resolve and their laser focus
And I enjoy working with the ones I met as well, though they can be socially awkward (some of them, esp the women)

But still on still...
Anyways there is this running joke that the AI war is Chinese in China vs Chinese in America

Just like the Mathematics Olympiad competition.
The last few American contingents has been almost fully a Chinese American cohort lol 😆
And that is really cool
Interesting times. The model shocked markets.

I wonder what happens to nvidia when the Chinese inevitably start building and selling their own chips for much lower cost and better efficiency. America cannot rely on bans to keep ahead- from Huawei, to Tiktok, to EVs and now AI chips. They need to keep innovating.

I see you're focused on China while avoiding other Asians trying to pull their weight. Hehe... BTW, what's your take on Perplexity?

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