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Phones / Re: The Xiaomi Thread. by lightnlife: 12:37am On Mar 22
This is exactly my conclusion.

I'm on my second abi na third Redmi phone with Note 10 Pro. It's less than 2 years and the performance has dropped.

I'm going for 13 pro+ soon will the hope of dumping it after two years.


TemporaryHansel:
From my experience after using four different phones from different xiaomi brands, xiaomi devices have a short life span. On the good side, they're very customizable ( for people interested in that). After two years just dump the phone or dash it out because it'll frustrate you.

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 2:26am On Dec 29, 2023
Holla!

Please, has anyone on Health and Care visa with a newborn in the UK had to apply for a dependent visa for the baby solely for the baby to access NHS after three months of birth?

According to Gov.UK, it's not imperative to apply for a visa for a UK-born baby except when exiting and entering the UK. However, there's an NHS advisory that newborn can only access free care up to three months after which the IHS must be paid.

Ideally, health and care visa holders/dependents don't pay IHS. Hence, I feel it's logical to conclude that the newborn wouldn't have to apply for the sole purpose of accessing NHS as IHS wont be paid still.

However, I'd like to hear from those with experience on H&C visa. Thanks
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 2:13pm On Dec 08, 2023
@Londyc

Check these ones out;

reachvolunteering.org.uk
charityjobs.co.uk
ncvo.org.uk

Google will give you more.

Goke7:


so sorry I still can't remember as I have unsubscribed from their mails, still searching my older emails but can't find them. Once I remember hope I do I will post immediately

10 Likes 5 Shares

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 10:38am On Dec 08, 2023
You can use sugar soap (£5) to clean it off and collect your deposit.

Took us two days to wipe our walls before moving out. Na only £50 landlord chop from the deposit due to flimsy excuse of the oven looking dirty and small damp in the toilet.

Collecting deposit sweet 😂

eniola1010:


Lmao, asin unless u dont stain anything
All my walls are stained with children color
I have long kissed my deposit goodbye

10 Likes 1 Share

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 1:30am On Dec 08, 2023
So, if someone gets a non-healthcare job with £38,000+ salary and sponsorship, s/he can bring in his/her dependents, right?

I might be wrong but most non-healthcare immigrants on sponsorship earn more than 38K.
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 1:57am On Nov 27, 2023
You're simply been emotive without comprehending or engaging heroshark's points.

Migration decisions are largely fact-based and less of emotional sensation.

You may hate Suella and sack her, another person will arise to champion similar ideology. So, tackle the message not the messenger.

No dey carry Nigerian beer-parlour and religious sentiment enter di matter.

florixi:


grin grin grin Just imagine that line from an immigrant! Some of you will be worse than Suella if you manage to get to the decision-making table in the UK or whatever country you migrated to. I have said here before that some people are not just happy to see their fellow Nigerians migrating like them because they want to keep on oppressing those they left at home. but God passed them. Immigration issue na season film: when one series ends, another go start so no cause for alarm.

6 Likes

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 10:52am On Nov 26, 2023
Please see my comments inline (emboldened). grin

hustla:


Interesting but you have to put it all together and see where I am coming from as this is not the first time I am speaking about it.

I truly understand your consistent standpoint but can immigrants influence the policy direction of the country? Ultimately, it's their country. They make the rules and visitors will either have to comply or walk away.


Can you tell me the immigration strategy for the UK? Will it be the same in 5 yrs? Since I have been here, they have changed policies for the worse at least twice. I know a PSW ban in the future isn't off the table because it is their way. Milk the cow and then discard it, per usual.

Apparently, the UK hasn't had fixed, long-term migration policy in the last 5 - 10 years. The rhetorics of reducing net migration contradicts their actions. But the glaring fact is that they won't be able to achieve that goal, not in the next 5 years. It's even sickening that they grant visas then come back to complain about the number of immigrants. Like wait, did they not pay you to get in? It's crazy! Hence, we can't rule out the interdependence of migration with politics and social nuances.


From where I stand and as of now, for students, it looks like they're out to milk us sotey and yet, complains and complains. I can't say its not better than being in Nigeria, it is.

If you check what each country has to offer students, the UK comfortably has the worst package and yet, the highest fees to pay for everything. PSW in AU was increased from 3 to 5 yrs, at a cost of about AUD1,800, less than the reported £2,900 for students from next year. Canada's PSW also is about £240.

AU and Canada realised students would be battling the effects of this global turmoil you spoke about and asked that students can work more than 20 hrs/ week. UK did not offer or even think of it, instead, Unis increased school fees.

Interesting. But I'm wondering if the UK forced any of the "cows" to come and stay. If people have made this decision it's up to them to see it through or walk away.

I think this thing has a demand and supply dynamics. The UK understands that many 3rd world country professionals want to (desperately) migrate. They see the market, supply the product (visa) to the highest bidder even when their stock is almost running out, they downgrade the quality of their product.

Bro, have you seen the number of people still coming into the UK despite the unfavourable policies and social issues? Dem no go hear and the UK understands, hence, the trend go continue till... Ultimately, na every mallam to him kettle.


I could go on and on but their current strategy exploits students and the least they can do is to stop crying about students every 7 market days as if they do not contribute shingbain to the economy. They want money but they dont want an increase in population, no be juju be that? grin

There is no perfect country or system but at least some stability is needed

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 6:10pm On Nov 25, 2023
The grass is greener on the other side.

I've heard a couple of unpalatable first & second-hand stories from immigrants in Canada and Australia. Most sound grimmer than the UK experience.

Since COVID hit, the world has been in turmoil and the UK as with other first-world countries are not immune to the realities of that turmoil. Perhaps each country is facing it differently.

Do you know the unemployment rate in Canada and the state of social services and lifestyle? Same with Australia coupled with its tax system.

Agreed, the UK delights in tossing the migration coin at every opportunity but humans are evolutionary and policies are not just switched on and off at will. There are usually time to discuss and decide on them. Immigrants can also be jumping ahead of the unfavourable migration policies and curves or sit back in trepidation of the next migration news or policy.

Immigrants can chose to be reactive to every news piece on migration or just get on with their lives to the fullest whilst they're here. Guess how many immigrants have naturalised in the last ten years? Have the ruling class not been making "bold" migration statements since then?

From where I stand, this is a win-win game for both UK and immigrants. They need us, we need them. Nobody dey force anybody. Either party can flip the coin when they see an alternative. The UK will still be migrant-dependdnt in the next five years - which is a long time for immigrants to establish themselves or re-migrate.

Everyone's end-goal differs and that should ultimately be the motivating factor rather than floating with every news and hinted policy direction. Two of my friends left the UK for the USA this year because na their intent be that. Spoke with one recently and she's complaining about medical insurance. I literally asked her what exactly she wants.

In the long run, na goals matter.

As always, there are no perfect systems/countries there are just better ones. Choose the one you can cope with.


hustla:



cheesy grin

Apparent to the blind and deaf that once they came on air to say they intend to fund so and so with what they make from students, their sapa don start

Make we dey observe but i know things will still get very bad and they'll completely stop post study or something drastic to stop legal migration to their country

Before that time, make local man don exit their country. Just saw one fella on twitter who took the intra coy transfer route to Canada from UK.


Lots of people I know are going the Canada / Au PR route too smiley

16 Likes

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 8:17pm On Nov 23, 2023
Thanks guys.

Just a follow up question.

As we won't be stating she's a petty trader but a homemaker bla bla bla, is it okay to just put N1 in the spots where they asked how much spends each month and how much she hopes to spend during the visit.

@eolme I get your point but she's not just coming for a social visit na for omugwo. So, one month won't cut it.


babajeje123:

You don't need to submit her bank statement. Just put it in your letter that you are sponsoring her trip and her living cost in the UK. It's okay to mention she's a petty trader however this doesn't prove that she has a strong tie back home. So you need to proof that she has strong ties and would return home before or at the expiration of her visa.

eolme:

There is no need stating she is a petty trading and adding a bank statement for her. Simply apply that she is a home maker and full time house wife. Her ties back home will be her husband and other family members back home. If there are landed properties in her name, it can be included.
Also I don't think it is wise to state in the application she will be staying for five months. One month is okay on the application. Someone with good ties back home should not ideally visit for 5 months.

Viruses:


No need to say she's a petty trader to avoid needing to prove anything but attach her bank statement and say she'll spend like £25 from her money during the trip. That's what I did although I said mine will spend £100 of her personal money because she had some money and I said she's a retiree.

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 4:23pm On Nov 22, 2023
Good afternoon, everyone.

Just looking for some experienced insight with inviting a home-maker and petty trader mum to the UK.

I and my partner will be fully funding her visit, hence, we are thinking of not stating she's a petty trader so as not to raise dust around account statement and business docs, as she's got none.

We're currently completing the visa application and stated that she has #1 savings and plans to spend #1 in the UK as we'll be taking care of everything. I think she has about 100K in her account. Previously monthly up-keep had been sent to her husband until last month.

Q1: Should we state she's a petty trader and submit her personal bank statement or just be mute on the trader aspect?

Q2: We want her to spend five months and some days before leaving, is it okay to state that in app as well?

Thanks!
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 3:26pm On Nov 22, 2023
This was previously discussed here. Click on the contributors' ID to see other thoughts and the initial question.

Peerielass:


Seriously I was about to say the same thing. Personal loans are usually cheaper than PCP and Higher Purchase deals. Loan rates will vary between 2.5% to 7.5% depending on circumstances, credit history and eligibility.

Tier4Dependant:
When getting a car on finance, which is better btwn HP and PCP?

2 Likes

Travel / Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by lightnlife: 3:06pm On Nov 22, 2023
Good afternoon, everyone.

Just looking for some experienced insight with inviting a home-maker and petty trader mum to the UK.

I and my partner will be fully funding her visit, hence, we are thinking of not stating she's a petty trader so as not to raise dust around account statement and business docs, as she's got none.

We're currently completing the visa application and stated that she has #1 savings and plans to spend #1 in the UK as we'll be taking care of everything. I think she has about 100K in her account. Previously monthly up-keep had been sent to her husband until last month.

Q1: Should we state she's a petty trader and submit her personal bank statement too?

Q2: We want her to spend five months and some days before leaving, is it okay to state that in app as well?

Thanks!
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 9:52am On Nov 13, 2023
Suella is gone!

Rishi reshuffles cabinet.

Suella's political rascality was grossly unbecoming and irking. I'd have been gutted Rishi and his party didn't make a firm decision. Actors like her embolden 'anyhowness' within and outside government.

But hey, another Suella will soon bring up. There's always one everywhere. grin
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 11:56pm On Oct 15, 2023
Thanks!
missjekyll:
Zero comebacks from reporting. Council may not come for months though. Tories have broken everything. There has never been a better time to be a criminal than now. Prisons are full to the brim
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 6:41pm On Oct 13, 2023
Has anyone reported flyingtipping to the local council?

About a week ago, someone dumped a sofa on the walkway outside my apartment (I'm in the downstairs apartment). Pretty much the same way people drop unwanted stuff for free pick-up.

Someone just knocked on my door now asking if I'm the one that dumped it there. Surprised at the question, I answered I wasn't the one. She advised calling the council to inform them so they can come pick it up.

I'm happy to report it to the council for onward evacuation, but wanted to check if anyone has had a similar experience and if there might a bounce back on me for reporting.
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 6:39pm On Oct 03, 2023
If you've recently travelled to Paris, you may have returned with bedbugs.

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 6:36pm On Oct 03, 2023
Drive into a gas station and you should be to pump from £1.

You can get something like this later: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-RAC610-Analogue-Compressor-Inflation/dp/B0030FBSQ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=29ZWJ5XV9ENJV&keywords=tyre+inflator+air+compressor&qid=1696354460&sprefix=tyre+%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-3

It's advisable to check your tyre pressure once in two weeks.

Viruses:
Cam someone please recommend a car tire pump?

My car is giving me low tire pressure warning.

2 Likes 3 Shares

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 3:50pm On Sep 24, 2023
With this explanation, you have a case and you can appeal.


humbleprof19:


Parking should be free for me at the car park as a resident. The apartment manager took my car plates and registered it when i bought the car in April. I believe this is an error because the fine is for just a day in August. I still live and park there, how come there are no other fines if my car isnt on their system.
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 11:55pm On Sep 18, 2023
Which insurers are rejecting you and on what basis?

How long were you driving before moving to the UK and how long have you been in the UK?

What's the average quote you've received? And what's "cheap" to you?

You might be getting high rates based on your age, employment and family status, location and other risk factors.

By the way, I don't understand what you mean by international license. Your regular Naija license can be used for the first year of your residence.

If you've not already done that, you can use the quote aggregators below to get multiple offers;

https://www.comparethemarket.com/

https://www.moneysupermarket.com/

https://www.confused.com/


CotenantNIG:
hello guys how can i get a cheap car insurance in the uk
its either am rejected or its too expensive
I have an international license

My Job requires I have a car and a drivers license

8 Likes 3 Shares

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 5:31pm On Sep 09, 2023
You can use either WorldRemit or Wise.

evalovely:
Hello everyone

Can someone please help with this:
What is the best way or platform of sending money to Canada from UK

Many thanks

4 Likes 1 Share

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 10:17pm On Sep 05, 2023
Perfect.


Please what's the best way to reach you? If you can, please share a contact number or address. Thanks

bittertongue:
am coming this month and my wife sells Ankara
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 11:17pm On Sep 04, 2023
Evening everyone.

Please is there anyone coming from Nigeria this month or early next month? I'd appreciate if you can help me buy and bring Ankara from Nigeria. I'll pay for all logistics.

Kindly mention me if you can help with this.

Thanks.
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 10:57am On Sep 02, 2023
Yes, we got mechanics from ClickMechanic to go physically inspect the cars. You'll need to provide details and location of the car and they'll go inspect, then send pictures and report with recommendation. Average fee was £120. It's pretty similar to the inspection service in Naija.

Honestly, there isn't a rule of thumb for negotiating in free markets. Just know what you can afford and the value of the goods. Once you buy it, no point regretting. For a 3k car, I'll start at 2k with the aim to have a deal 2.5k at most. But it depends on the value and state of the car.

We used a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for electrical/engine checks. Check suspensions, bodywork, hoods and all. Then test drive. Make sure the gears are changing well, et al.

All the best.

Schoolhike:



Thanks for your detailed explanation,

Did you invite Clickmechanic to physically inspect the car or what, could you provide more info?

In regards to negotiations, from how much to how much did you negotiate, because it really affected me last year when I bought a car, I later noticed that I paid over 500£ for the car value, could you give me an example say the listing price is like 3000£, like how much do you think I can start my negotiation, I don’t actually have much experience negotiating with White as I always believe the listing price is the last.

How did you go about the mechanical and electrical test, is it just a physical check or inspection from test drive only.

Could you list things to check for other than normal checks like MOT history?

I wasn’t really happy that I cant use my former car anymore as a result of accident. I spent a lot to get the car into a very good condition after spending 1.5k£ to fix all necessary things. It was when I’m about to start enjoying the car that this unfortunate accident happen.

Can’t imagine buying another car and start seeing issues with the car.

8 Likes 4 Shares

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 10:38am On Sep 02, 2023
With 50% pass rate across the UK, I bet the conversations about driving aren't needless. If it's pretty straightforward, the pass rate would reflect same.

Look around; YouTube, Reddit, Facebook, X, there are loads of content and convo on driving generating massive reactions.

It even more important for migrants to have these convo as most have been used to a different driving terrain/rules back home.

Same applies to Credit Cards. Financial intelligence isn't a generic life skill. You need knowledge. Moreso, for immigrants who haven't been exposed to credit facilities in all his/her 30+ years before moving here, but knows credit could either make or mar his/her life, I bet they'll go all out for more insight on it.

People are at different stages of life and that would reflect in their understanding and knowledge quest.

Won't be surprised if someone still comes around to ask either of these questions in the next 2 days. Perhaps, doing some back reading on the issues might help them.


jedisco:


There's so much ado about driving and credit cards on this fora. A huge deal is made out both.

For driving, it's straightforward. First is to recognise that many pass this test daily. The unsaid reason why most fail the practical is almost always fear. Most times, one must have driven that route multiple times with their instructor. Same thing your instructor tells you is what they'd ask. Perception is impo.

Regarding manual/auto. My advise is always to learn what car type you're used to or going to buy. In my time, I tried tinkering with a manual for a day and left it. Wasn't worth the stress and told myself if I needed to drive a manual in future, I can redo the test which would be easier then. Suffice to say, I've never had need to drive a manual vehicle. With ULEZ and move to electric, most cars would soon be autos eitherway.

All said, I wonder is a sticky on these two would help repeat questions bound to come in future.

3 Likes

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 10:21pm On Aug 30, 2023
If the offer is too good to be true, then, run!

For Facebook market, our strategy was to target private sellers within 10/20 miles radius as against "dealers".

Suffice to say, due diligence is required either when dealing with a private or third-party seller. For instance, we met a dealer who had loads of automatic cars. We test drive like two and we were going to make a deal on one but upon running the plate number, nothing came up on gov.uk. It was suspicious. The seller tried to convince us that the car was registered and listed on gov.uk and we were probably using the wrong link but he was showing us the reg details on his phone.

At that point, we became skeptical as there was no footprint of the car anywhere. Then, I recall reading stories of stolen cars with swapped plate numbers and VIN. It just seemed all dodgy of a deal. We had to let go.

For Autotrader, all the potential ones we saw were far away; 50 - 150 miles away from. We used ClickMechanic for a couple of inspections. The reports and detailed pictures were damning with strong advisory not to purchase. At first, the inspections felt like a waste of money but they usually unveil massive issues that would have been swept under as the cars were looking lovely in picture and description.

The car we eventually bought was from a private seller within our community via Facebook market. We tested the mechanical and electrical bits ourselves and decided it was fit for purpose. Also, your negotiation skills will be handy in closing the deal for your preferred choice.

Hope this helps!

Schoolhike:


How did you filter off those scammers, Lots of prices I’m seeing are not real, too low for the actual car.

Once you message them, the next thing is they will send you an email to contact

17 Likes 4 Shares

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 7:08pm On Aug 30, 2023
No, I used my instructor's car.

Automatic cars are not predominant in the UK auto market, hence, they're rarely available and expensive.

You might need to increase your budget or downgrade the year/model you're searching for.

If you're currently not looking, you can search on Facebook market. We got a couple of fantastic offers there and even better than autotrader. However, availability/accessibility will be dependent on promixity/location. All the best.

Noworries11:


Please did you use your own car?
Someone encouraged me to get my own car perhaps this would help master the car prior to the test.
To get a good auto car for £2k na tug of war but lots of manual to grab even below the £2k budget.
Make una help

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 5:28pm On Aug 30, 2023
This is always been my position on getting a manual license so you can drive both.

What's the point getting a manual license when you'll only be driving an auto? The requirements for driving a car in the UK are not straightforward.

This might motivate someone, I passed my driving test today (first time) without any minor. It's possible, you can do it.


kode12:


Gist. This is not the US where you can just drive any car. Unless you're going to buy a manual car after your test, while train for manual and then buy an automatic? Even most company cars these days are auto. If you need to get a rental or van, there are automatic options so why bother yourself?

6 Likes

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 4:19pm On Aug 27, 2023
😂 Did you collect your full salary?

If yes, they've added it already. Abi you wan collect x2 pay per day for not coming to work?

Meogom:


Yea, thanks. I knw thats the meaning, but I thought it was supposed to be added to the salary, but the salary remains unchanged

1 Like

Travel / Re: Cost Of A Nigeria International Passport by lightnlife: 12:57pm On Aug 24, 2023
Any contact of who can fast track an already captured application in Festac?

kolawolemonsuru:
EXPRESS IS 15K-20K
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 10:28pm On Aug 22, 2023
If you're under 40, you can open a LISA account.

With that you can get up to £1000 in bonus per tax year.

https://www.gov.uk/lifetime-isa

If above 40, you can try Cash ISA, Nutmeg, Monzo Pot, Chase Savings, Loxbox.

harddrive2012:
Abeg I wan ask an advisable savings method/platform for a new immigrant in Uk that won’t be easily assessable (more like locked savings) and could help with mortgage in future.
Thanks

8 Likes

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 12:57pm On Aug 21, 2023
Prime suppose leverage this trend for more visibility and social good.🤣

#AreYouThePRIMESuspect

#DontBeThePRIMESuspect



tshoboy:
Bants aside. The person who has been accused of flytipping should take it seriously. That’s an expensive fine.

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) by lightnlife: 12:51pm On Aug 21, 2023
Really?

Thought the insurer pays directly to the service provider even if it's one chosen by the insured. So, you can either have them take the car to one their listed garages (they pay directly) or take it any of your preferred and present the invoice then they pay.

Please enlighten me.



Santa2:


Bros..Naa only one life you get. Chop life,buy that car cheesy. By the way was discussing with someone that got her ran into. she opted to repair her car herself, The insurance paid it to her(15k). she eventually fixed it for about 6k.

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