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Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 6:53pm On Jan 14, 2023
Thanks for the insight.

From your experience, how does a BCS-certified get started with jobs?

There are limited/no roles that do not request experience. Even the junior BA roles are experience-based.

Would appreciate your thoughts and pointers.



Goke7:


It's not really about the money which In my opinion should not be first considered as a new immigrant. You need to have the required skills, experience and credentials especially UK-recognised qualifications to stand out. I know in recent times, KYC and AML (anti-money laundering) related roles are becoming more in demand. Audit especially Technical Audit (a combo of audit and analytics) is becoming more popular. In all, the issues of climate change which is now known as ESG reporting which is a requirement by govt for most companies now have heightened the need for financial reporting with ESG ( Environmental and social governance) expertise. I think with these, one will have an advantage in getting high-end roles or jobs. The question however is if one meets the requirements.

I don't work in any of these areas so my knowledge may be limited. Am a Business Analyst within program and change management. I only have some knowledge of ESG as I have taken some courses in it.
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 4:23pm On Jan 10, 2023
grin

Does it make any difference if the IPTV subscribers have TV licence?

Davidonkonsults:
Wahala like bicycle. De listen for knock on your door.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/police-premier-league-illegal-streaming-28911133
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 9:34am On Jan 10, 2023
I'm graciously planning towards this once I settle down well.

Walk out in winter, return to enjoy summer, autumn and anything else.

The winter comes with a lot - bad weather, bills and breakdowns.

Blackdove:
I actually wanted to say this, I remembered last month when the weather was bad, man was dressing like a freakn siberian indoors, 50 quid fiiaaam on heating...now I see when my aunt leaves during winter and return at summer time.

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 3:44pm On Jan 02, 2023
Thanks for your insight.

Good way to start the ride to getting a Lexus, innit? grin

Lexusgs430:




You can pay AA/RAC to conduct vehicle inspection..... Most dealers don't like this type of inspection, because they would tear the vehicle apart .......... grin

https://www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspection/

https://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/vehicle-inspections/comprehensive-inspection

Buying from a dealer, pay using a credit card (your purchase is protected by S75)..... If vehicle is not as described, simply leave your CC company to fight your battles.........

Buying from a private seller ....... Vehicle must be as described (if not, small claims court/ or seller might be nice) ......... grin

Also conduct an MOT history check + HPI check.......

NB : NEVER PAY A DEPOSIT, FOR ANY VEHICLE...... Unless you're 1000% certain to proceed......... wink

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 3:29am On Jan 02, 2023
Happy New Year, Fellow Nigerians grin

Biko, how can one conduct a thorough professional inspection on a used car in this UK either from an dealer or private owner (all seen via Auto trader)?

Does one just take the words/warranty of the sellers for it OR does one have to go with a mechanic/technician? The latter is what I'd do or did in Nigeria and it turned out fine?

Please advise.

Thanks
Travel / Re: Diary Of A Nigerian Immigrant To The UK by lightnlife: 10:11pm On Dec 28, 2022
Savings

Modified
I started work in August and I've been saving between *** ppmonthly. This is after bills, expensives and give aways.

I'm not pushing myself on savings as I'm still on a low-paying job. Just enjoying my life, outings, shopping and fun.

It can only get better.

Goodluck to anyone fighting faceless people for living their lives in the UK or any other country. Na part of that jealousy and bad belle no make Nigeria dey grow fast.

Again, there are no perfect systems but UK better pass Nigeria socio-economically. No debate!

Spanishmilf:
how is life in the UK
Jobs?
Taxes
Savings
Cos some dumb folks on Nl are always against the Uk would love to hear your review

11 Likes

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 9:42pm On Dec 28, 2022
Any particular concerns for hybrids?

Viruses:

Interesting.

Thank you very much.

I was beginning to consider Lexus 450h 2010 but maybe I'll stick with this as I don't really like hybrids. I like fuel only or electric only.
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 9:38pm On Dec 28, 2022
I'll try and break it down.

1. Withdraw dollar from your USD account in Nigeria.

2. Enter a bureau de change (Aboki) shop. Tell him you want to change Dollar to Naira. You should check online to be sure of the current exchange rate, so you can get a fair rate.

3. Aboki will pay the equivalent Naira of the Dollar you're giving him to your Nigerian Naira account. Confirm the payment on your mobile app before you leave Aboki. shocked

4. Let the money be resting in your Nigerian Naira account then carry your bag dey come UK.

5. When you reach UK, open a Lemonade account. They'll give you a Pound and Naira account for free on the Lemonade app.

6. Now transfer the resting Naira from your Nigerian account to the new Lemonade Naira account.

7. On Lemonade app, there's an option to convert that Naira you've just transferred to Pound.

Now you've converted your Naira to Pounds.

It sounds like a long process, but it easy.

topellycategory:


But did he have to open lemonade account when he arrived in Britain or open it while in Nigeria ?

How do you convert naira on Lemonade app because I have a Lemonade account here in the Uk , A friend is coming over with some Naira in his account hoping to transfer it into my account when he arrives.

I'm yet to figure out how the conversion/ transfer thing is going to work .

Please can someone break it down into pieces how it works because I have never done this sort of transaction before. Thanks

3 Likes 1 Share

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 12:26pm On Dec 28, 2022
Your best bet is to convert your USD to Naira in Nigeria, save it in your Naira account then when you arrive in the UK you can convert your Naira (Lemonade, Sendwave) to GBP.

Another option: When you come, you can withdraw GBP at the ATM with your USD debit card. Put into consideration the exchange rate and transaction fee.

Wise discontinued its card and inflow services to Nigeria. Nigerian banks aren't approving USD to GBP transactions on Sendwave.

If you already have a GBP account, you can do direct bank conversions and transfers to a GBP account over the counter.

In all you do, don't bring raw USD to the UK. The exchange isn't usually good.




Kenn55:
Compliments of the season everyone.

Please how can someone going to the UK for studies this January transfer her money from a USD dorm account in Nigerian bank to pounds in the UK? Please what are the options?

Carrying cash from Nigeria is out of the question as she is afraid of carrying huge amount of money. How can she navigate this money issue? Thanks

JaySterling:
Guys please advise me! This is urgent

I am coming to the UK in a few weeks

I have some dollars in cash. Please can I change them to pounds in the UK, or I should just change them here in Nigeria before I travel ?

Please which one would be better for me in terms of rate ?

2 Likes 1 Share

Travel / Re: Diary Of A Nigerian Immigrant To The UK by lightnlife: 1:38pm On Dec 26, 2022
Taxes: I'm on a PAYE, so my employer deducts the tax and pays to HMRC directly.

Being new in the country, I have an income allowance for this tax year. I've not started paying tax but I've been doing National Insurance and Pension contributions.

With the cost of living crisis, my company is giving us some extra money called 'cost of living benefit' + the government is giving every household 400 pounds as energy support over six months. These are cushioning mechanisms for the crisis.

One isn't bothered about the taxes, as you can vividly see their impact in social amenities.

Because many Nigerians are not used to the idea of paying tax, they shudder at thought of paying up to 20 percent of one's income as taxes. Well, it is part of why Nigeria isn't working. Our tax base is so low. People want everything free, without any commitment. Someone told me that taxes in New Zealand and Australia are even higher than the UK. Prof Osinbajo once said Nigerians must be willing to pay tax if they want better social services. Many booed him not knowing he's simply saying the hard truth.

I'm good with paying tax and seeing its uses than having so much money without being taxed amidst social disorder.



Spanishmilf:
how is life in the UK
Jobs?
Taxes
Savings
Cos some dumb folks on Nl are always against the Uk would love to hear your review

6 Likes

Travel / Re: Diary Of A Nigerian Immigrant To The UK by lightnlife: 7:00pm On Dec 25, 2022
Life: so far, so good...Thanks to God.

Your question just made me count my fingers to ascertain how long I've been here ooo cheesy It's almost 7 months ooo. How time flies!

As earlier mentioned, the UK currently has a shortage of workers. This means, there are more jobs than willing and qualified personnel.

So, if one has the right skills, experience and packaging, one can be sure of clinching any job one wants.

For those working, the culture is simple; work hard, play hard. I've seen many Nigerians complaining about the stressful work culture here and one thing it points out is the lack of a strict work culture a lot of Nigerians had/have back home. Here, when you're at work, you are AT WORK. No downtime and no off time unless you are scheduled for it because na computer dey balance your timing, and due to the staff shortage there is always a need to do more within the shortest time possible.

I'd same say there's something for everyone. It just might take time, which is a normal thing any/everywhere. For instance, I'm still on probation at my workplace, but I've been given a promotion to another department ahead of passing my probation. If you do well, you'll gain the results. I've won a couple of rewards for literally just doing my job without knowing that those metrics would count for rewards. One of my senior colleagues recently nominated me for a Staff Award.

I like the work culture and company I work in.

It's not uncommon to see employees that have been around for 15 - 30 years in my company. They link consistency. The average brit doesn't ask for too much - basics, equity and a good environment. The quest to amass wealth isn't as pervasive as you have in Nigeria. The system is structured to support at whatever social cadre you are.

Similarly, there are those who are rollers. They change job every year. One guy just left this week after nine months. He said he doesn't like the job. I say no be your fault, na because you know say you go see another one fast or government go dey pay you unemployed benefit.

Again, it is not the best/perfect system but it is better than Nigeria.





Spanishmilf:
how is life in the UK
Jobs?
Taxes
Savings
Cos some dumb folks on Nl are always against the Uk would love to hear your review

5 Likes 1 Share

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 2:29pm On Dec 25, 2022
Huh!

I still get like N1,850 for this UK ooo. Guess I'll keep it for achieve purposes.

Up Meffy grin
Travel / Re: Diary Of A Nigerian Immigrant To The UK by lightnlife: 11:22am On Dec 25, 2022
Merry Christmas, ladies and gentlemen. grin

May the purpose of Christ's birth be constantly reflected in you.

1 Like

Religion / Re: Christmas: Is 25 December Truly Jesus' Birthday? by lightnlife: 11:20am On Dec 25, 2022
If any of you is truly willing to learn the logic around Christianity, feel free to ask your questions with an open mind.

It appears you've been exposed to fundamental lies and half-truths about Christianity all along.

triplechoice, fman, AntiChristian

All I've done here is to explain 25 Dec in its most logical way.
Family / What Is Your Favourite Christmas Song? by lightnlife: 8:17am On Dec 25, 2022
It's Christmas! grin

Well, my favourite Christmas song is 'O Holy Night'.

I've recently lover Mariah Carey's version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJmP8T07JU

What's yours? Merry Christmas
Religion / Christmas: Is 25 December Truly Jesus' Birthday? by lightnlife: 7:56am On Dec 25, 2022
YES! There is no biblical account or clear historical data of the exact date or time that King Jesus was born.

So, why do Christians celebrate his birthday every 25th of December, you ask?

First, it's my utmost believe that a date or thing is whatever you (humans) decide it is or will be.

For instance, every year the world marks/celebrates 8th of March as International Women's Day and 19th of November as International Men's Day. Does that mean that's the exact day all women and men were born? Correct answer! shocked

It's same way we know the 25th of December isn't Jesus' birthday but we decide to mark it as his birthday. Romans 14:1-12

In fact, based on history, Jesus' birthday (Christmas) used to be celebrated on the 6th of January.

The general idea around choosing a date for the celebration is premised on the seasonal pattern and activities that during his birth as foretold and witnessed with many accounts confirming same in the bible.

If you've asked a really old person for their age, most won't be able to tell you the exact date but they would be able to relate it to certain seasons, times and events, giving you a clue to the timeline.

Same applies to the dateline of Jesus'birthday. December 25 isn't the actual date but we choose this date to recognise his birth because he commenced the physical confirmation of God's eternal deliverance for humanity. So, we rejoice with deep understanding and assurance that our redeemer was born that we might die no more. GLORY!!!

Today, don't just think of Jesus as a baby, he is your Saviour. He brings PEACE, PURITY, POWER, PERMANENCY.

Merry Christmas
Cc HumbledbYGrace Seun Lalatisca lalalista

1 Like

Travel / Re: Diary Of A Nigerian Immigrant To The UK by lightnlife: 11:25pm On Dec 24, 2022
grin Glad you love the experience.

Should find time to share some this holiday.

Zealoy:
This is the best thread I've visited since i created my nairaland account in 2009, I came across this thread today and I've been glued to the screen of my phone reading every single page since morning,
Travel / Re: Diary Of A Nigerian Immigrant To The UK by lightnlife: 11:24pm On Dec 24, 2022
For better responses, post your comments/questions here:


https://www.nairaland.com/6969367/general-uk-visa-enquiries-part

AND

https://www.nairaland.com/6719932/living-uk-life-immigrant-part-2/776#up



yomisley:
Hi Everyone,

My wife was ban 4yrs ago at the UK embassy due to some fake document an agent use in her application and we just got married few months ago and i want to apply for a work visa and i want my wife and kid to accompany me.

*did she stand a good chance as i am the main applicant?

someone advice i apply alone then once my visa has been approved then she can apply separately.
i don't want this if she will not be issued visa there is no point traveling alone without my wife and kid.

I know of someone that was ban but got married to one European woman and they both travel to London together but the wife was the main applicant. i dont want to mix this things up because i am black with a Nigerian passport. grin grin grin

biko my people, if anyone have a clue should please advice.
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 12:35am On Dec 23, 2022
It depends on the long term UK goal of the person in question.

A friend of mine who's less than a year in the country has a score 860 (out of 1k) on Experian.

She has no credit card neither used any credit service. I've persuaded her to get a credit card but she's not interested. She only pays her bills and reported and rent. In fact, she didn't know of credit reporting or score until I showed, however the score was adding up because she was meeting her financial obligations.

She says she's not interested in getting a mortgage or any credit facility in the UK as she wants to relocate after getting ILR or Citizenship.

So, living one's normal life can improve the score and ratings, perhaps at a slow pace. But without credit history, loan credibility might be low when one is hunting for a deal.

Again, it depends on the long term UK goal.



eniola1010:


My sister. Want to ask u something. Is it possible for one's credit score to increase without having to devise the cc or borrow and pay back on time method.

Cant someone just live his life normally, earn his salary, and use his card to buy something with the money in his card. Wont this also increase credit score?

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 12:03am On Dec 23, 2022
Netflix woke up this morning to realise I'm in the UK, so they migrated my Naija account to the UK and requested that I pay about £11 for my monthly subscription. Something that I was paying N2,900 for in Naija. shocked

Abeg, does anyone know a good Naija VPN to use on PC and mobile?

Can't afford paying 11 pound (Almost 10k) when I can pay about 3k Naira for the same service. After all, I'm still a Nigerian. grin

4 Likes

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 10:54pm On Dec 16, 2022
grin You go like fight.
grin grin grin

bigtt76:
I thought you said Friday? You still left him till Monday? angry



Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 10:52pm On Dec 16, 2022
Nope.

Wise stopped accepting Nigerian cards or sending money to Nigerian accounts.

Iamfavored:

Is this still valid?
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 10:42pm On Dec 16, 2022
Thanks for snapping me off the confusion.

You're correct. IPT is paid by the insurance company while benefit in kind tax is what employees pay for their PMI.

With that point clarified, my question was understanding the rationale behind taxing employees on their company PMI because companies brandish PMI as part of benefits only for the employees to be taxed on it again. Sounds like greek gift.

Will appreciate your insight.

Peerielass:


Correct me if I’m wrong but I think you are confusing Insurance Premium Tax with tax on Benefit in Kind.

Free health insurance scheme from your employer will most likely be treated as a benefit in kind and is taxable. Your employer will issue you a P11D at the end of the tax year and you will have to complete a self assessment return.
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 11:31pm On Dec 13, 2022
Has anyone had some thoughts about this?

Employer gives you Health Insurance benefit (FREE) but the employee still pays PMI tax (IPT) of 12%. Sounds like a greek gift. grin

My initial thought is why tax for PMI if you're already contributing to the NI scheme and have access to the NHS. Most times the claim process for these PMI are tiring.
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 2:47pm On Dec 11, 2022
Interesting.

Just to confirm: was the £800 inclusive of the exam registration fee?

As a broke UK JJC, I run from all these UK tutors oo. I feel their rates are too high.

I've done two related exams since I came in and here's what I do. Buy courses on Udemy or Coursera (5-10k Naira), study them alongside other materials. Take multiple assessments, register for the exams, write and pass the exams.

Where una dey see this money.

mizGene:

Amarathripple had a recommendation, I'm sure she will respond.. but I used theknowledgeacademy it was listed at close to 2k (with Practitioner) but once you indicate interest and they call you, you can negotiate it to 800 pounds. They will pretend they can't do it, keep you on the call "to ask their manager" cheesy for approval for a discount.. then they will make you an offer. But make sure to get them down to 800 at most.

3 Likes 1 Share

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 8:20am On Dec 10, 2022
grin grin

Naughty girl. shocked

bigtt76:
You don try sha. Na people that guy you will lend money to and he will insult you die before paying back. May God never let us meet people like him in our lives.

I read many of the suggestions given and they are top notch. Don't feel guilty tripped that you are sinning by evicting him or not helping a brother in need, you don try inside this Sunak UK. The guy for all you know is giving some small geh in his class pounds or spending sinzu at Greggs close to his school. Omo evict that guy this night without delay. Let his balls freeze in this winter jooooooor. No dulling.

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 11:04pm On Dec 05, 2022
Thanks.

Sadly, Sendwave and WorldRemit are only payment gateways. They don't have the facility to receive.

Solumtoya:


There are a lot: Sendwave, WorldRemit, etc

Thanks, Amara.

My best bet is something around this route. I know I can receive into my Naija USD without much hassle. This UK condition tight.

Amarathripple0:

This is what I usually do and even did a few days ago. The money is paid from the US to my Naija FX account and then I transfer the dollars to my FX changer (via GTB) in exchange for Naira at the black market rate and either buy pounds from another FX changer (I send him Naira and he sends Pounds to my Barclays) or I use Lemonade, depending on whose rate is better. The rate from USD to Pounds is very similar to the exchange rate from USD to Naira to Pounds. I’ve found that the latter rate is sometimes better. I hope this makes sense.

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 2:14pm On Dec 05, 2022
Thanks, Chief consultant. grin

japhethGold:

I am a Tax Consultant so let me advise you for free. The taxes that individuals who are resident in the UK pay is called Income Taxes. The UK tax laws charge you as an individual to tax based on your resident status and there are rules for determining resident status. If you have qualified to be deemed as a UK resident, you are under obligation to pay tax on your WORLD-WIDE income. I capitalize Word-wide because I want to place emphasis on it- this means that any income you derive from any part of the WORLD, whether in the UK or outside the UK is chargeable to tax. So you are required to declare it and pay taxes on it.

The only opportunity you might have to AVOID paying taxes on this your income is to prove that you earned these incomes before you became a UK resident. That is the only way. If you continue to earn this income even when you have become a UK resident, then you have to make a self assessment and file this tax before HMRC. Even in the process of filing for HMRC, you could file and even get some refund from HMRC instead of paying depending on how well you have taken advantage of the loopholes in the UK Tax laws.

Let me stop here. If you need a tax advisor to help you file taxes with HMRC, then you can reach out to me to help out at a fee.

1 Like

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 4:42pm On Dec 04, 2022
Ha! I see you literally took my most useless opinion to heart. I can understand why sha - it's the obvious thinking from back home. shocked

Anyway, I wouldn't think that (tapping) is a possibility here.

But if you think it is, you'd be better off calling an electrician or speaking with your landlady to arrange an electrician to assess the energy efficiency and components of the house. Won't be necessary for you to mention the possibility of tapping grin. Just tell them your plight about crazy unit consumption. Best wishes.

MrMash:



Please how do I know if Dem don tap my light ? The energy rating is B (83). I already contacted a new supplier , they will be installing a new meter in 5 days . I topped-up 25pounds around 10pm yesterday, I just checked I have 11 pounds left . If it is a case of energy "tapping" changing supplier won't help.

Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 4:37pm On Dec 04, 2022
That's correct. You'll be paid in pound (GBP) but charged in USD as on your card.

If you're still in Nigeria, I'd advise you withdraw your USD, exchange it to Naira then use the Naira to buy pounds. Bring your pounds in cash from Nigeria.

It's better than converting your USD to GBP over the ATM.

You can always deposit the GBP to a bank account once you're here.

[quote author=Phil46 post=118897181][/quote]
Phil46

1 Like

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