₦airaland Forum

willyede:
When you say meaningful way what do you mean by this as He/She is always sounding condescending and seem to have that disdain for immigrant and i still cannot fathom how he/she pretends to be nice in the visa section of the uk thread. I have never read her say anything positive about immigrants in the uk. It always negative stuff and thereby sounding like He/she does not want Nigerians presence in the ukay...No wonder some folks aint holding back.

The contempt in her tone is evident, no matter how she attempts to conceal it in her remarks. I am curious to find out the origin of that.

directonpc:
Zahra29 is a dangerous person, and unfortunately, our community has many of them.
Imagine making someone like the voice of people like us because they look like us. They'd make life hellish for people starting out in the same system that was favourable to them. Thank God man no be God.

Take it easy, bro. Dangerous is much of a tag.

Goke7:
That’s why dependents were also allowed to work full time as well and students themselves on holidays, see those who made the rules understood what they were doing and when they wanted reduce the influx or subscriptions they simply ban dependents, it’s simply a business decision based on credit system and not necessarily academics so It’s not black and white as we see it. See in the US dependents of students are not even allowed to work no matter the level of degree and there is no way the uk can compete internationally if they go that route so it’s competition and business hence the tweaks here and there.

Someone has suggested earlier the block fund system like Germany does, the question is why is the uk not looking into that direction? For me the answer is Germany sch fees is little or almost nothing for international students while the uk fees are astronomical so if you do block fund and also do astronomical fees again how do you compete? It’s left to the uk to do whatever they like sha in their own economic interests.

Exactly. The last time I checked, tuition in Germany is largely free, even for international students. When you compare that to the UK, it’s not even close.
That contrast alone says a lot. In one place, the system is set up to make education accessible. In the other, it often feels like a barrier you have to figure out how to climb, especially as an international student.

Zahra29:
It is a valid example - many came in their 40s or late 30s. It applies in the same way to those who came their 20s and early 30s. Your statement - that migrants have paid more into the NHS than Brits - is still grossly wrong. A migrant worker at 25 , 26, 29 etc who has paid £2 -3k in IHS has *absolutely not* paid more than his British peer who has been working since graduation at 21 - and most typically start working full or part time before 21- and making tax and NI contributions. It is fantastical to believe otherwise 😊



Lol, no one said that migrants shouldn't use and enjoy the NHS- both those who have paid the surcharge and those who haven't paid anything are able to access full NHS services.

However,no migrant has OVER paid except those who paid the 150% NHS charge

How do you mean people are not overpaying?
You’re paying about £2k or more for an 18‑month period, and in that time you might only see the GP once or twice. How does that not show that you’ve paid a lot for something you barely use?
The way you’re putting it makes it sound like every migrant uses the NHS in the same way, and that’s just not true. There are people who have been here for four or five years and have only been to the GP maybe twice. And even then, they’re still paying for their medication out of pocket.
The bigger issue, if we’re being honest, is the government underfunding the NHS. The population has grown, but the system hasn’t expanded to match it. Instead of taking responsibility for that gap, it’s easier to point fingers and blame immigrants, especially the legal ones who are actually paying into the system.
And yes, some dependents don’t pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. But whose decision was that? They didn’t set those rules themselves. If the exemption wasn’t there, do you really think they wouldn’t pay?
It just feels like people are focusing on the wrong problem.

Taal17:
This does not make sense
You get admission
School tells you your tuition and cost of living expenses
You present funds stating you have enough to meet these requirements of school
Then you say you can't pay TUITION in FULl?
So if you can not pay TUITION in full what will you about living expenses


There's a reason why places like Germany insist your funds are out in a bloc account where you can only access in the country.

I really hate it when people dismiss someone else’s opinion as not making sense, just because it doesn’t line up with theirs, especially when we’re talking about things that don’t even have a clear right or wrong. Take someone like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. Do people actually think they just have billions of dollars sitting somewhere in a bank account, doing nothing? That’s not how real-world finance works. If you look at how Musk bought Twitter, you’ll start to get a clearer picture of how money actually moves at that level. Just because someone has money doesn’t mean they’re eager to throw all of it into one thing. That’s not smart, and most people who understand money don’t operate that way. So when I see schools asking for part payments, I don’t get why people act like they’re clueless. These institutions know exactly what they’re doing. In fact, I’d argue the opposite. The schools insisting on full tuition upfront are basically sending a message, whether they realise it or not. They’re indirectly telling international students, this might not be for you. And honestly, it’s really that simple.

She is an Onlyfans olowsho and earns in dollars, so she would feel the cost of living is cheaper in Nigeria.

justwise:
You are not making any sense, do you want to pay the tuition fees or not? The university did not change their policy halfway through the semester, they want their tuition fees paid before the semester starts and they have every right to do that.

Last summer we all witnessed what happened with many Nigerians dragging their universities to media platforms because of tuition fees.

You are missing my point; just because I have N60m in my account doesn't mean I can invest it all in education at once, as that doesn't make sense to me. Possessing the funds indicates my ability to support both my tuition and living expenses, rather than serving as direct proof that I intend to invest the entire amount at once for a Master's degree. This is unrelated to the small number of Nigerian students who couldn't afford their tuition, representing a minuscule fraction of Nigerians studying in the UK. A vast majority of Nigerians eventually settle their tuition fees. Let’s not disparage ourselves for the minor issues within our community. It's no laughing matter; numerous universities are facing difficulties due to a shortage of international students.

Goodenoch:
Can you explain this please? Frankly it seems like terrible advice.

That’s because giving up your workplace pension means that you’re losing the employer contributions, and also means you’re losing tax savings because if you opt out of contributing 500 to your pension for instance, you won’t get back 500 to contribute to your private pension. What you’ll get back is 500 net of taxes, so 400 if you’re a basic rate taxpayer or 300 if you’re a higher rate taxpayer etc.

Combined with your lost employer contributions that means you’re losing perhaps 700–800+ going into your pension in exchange for only 300–400 extra in take-home pay, which you could simply move into any pension provider of your choice later and manage directly just like a private pension if you want (as long as you’re in a defined contribution and not defined benefit scheme).

The above even assumes you’d be as consistent in paying into your pension directly as it would be if it was getting taken off your payslip. In all likelihood, you won’t. You’ll skip May because the car needs fixing and plan to make it up in July; skip August because you need to buy that new phone and plan to make it up in September.etc etc

Unless there’s some nuance we’re missing here, giving up your workplace pension for a private one doesn’t make sense in any way, shape or form. The answer is to do both, ideally.

P.S. Sorry if I sound harsh. It’s because I know pensions are some of the most misunderstood aspects of personal finance among immigrants and I’m very particular about debunking many of the harmful myths I see going around that are bound to get people in their later years.

I get your point, but my take is, if I have to wait till I am 68yrs old (mind you, they can move the image to 70 in the coming years) to get around 200 quid every week, I can as well just say, ''f**k it!'', do a private pension, take it all out much earlier, plus the tax reliefs that come with it, then do something wholesome with the time comes. Plus, not everyone intends to live abroad till their 60s, I don't intend to. So, in the interim, heading home with that little stake makes sense, plus, missing out on the remittance to the pension account is unlikely as I will set a direct debit to handle that. This is not a financial advice tho!

justwise:
Why not? You applied for student visa with bank statements showing that you have all the money as required, university asking for the money and you are complaining? So was that money you presented during your visa application audios/untouchable loan?

Having the full money in one's account as shown via bank statements does not mean one is disposed to throw it all into education, especially as they know the applicants are more likely to be grown adults who possibly would have family. How many Brits can pay 10% of that money at a go. This move is more like them telling people not to bother to go further with the application. Makes no sense at all!

lavida001:
Do not opt out of your pension. It’s not worth it.

Check out this TikTok I found!
https://www.tiktok.com/video/7641685121392741654/

Opt out and do a private pension. Its worth it!

freedomtours:
Update fees at polish Embassy
Here is the latest on the Visa fees:
Study Visa fee 200 euros
Work Vise 200 euros
Tourist/ Visitor 90 euros
Legalization fee 40 euros

payment for visa fee is by cash at the embassy, so you will go with cash, you can check the exchange rate online.

Chai, these people are fleecing Nigerians badly. Visa fee back in 2022 when I tried Poland for studies was just 60 euros. Damn!

Curdlebug:
Which VPN una de use access offerup?

Express vpn should work.

Goodenoch:
There's no country where there's no "but" to speak of.

Search "Kenya failed state" and see what comes up. Some examples:

https://businesstoday.co.ke/kenya-failed-state-least-developed-countries-east-africa/
https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/the-crisis-in-kenya/

For Namibia, see:
https://thebrief.com.na/2025/07/namibias-downgrade-a-harsh-reflection-not-a-glitch/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Namibia/comments/1luveb4/how_do_you_see_namibia_in_510_years/

Search USA, UK and most other places with the same keywords and you'll find plenty of complaints as well.

To be clear I'm not diminishing how terrible of a state NG is in currently. The point is that I disagree that it is irrecoverable because there are signs of recovery plus there are things we in the diaspora can do to help.

Now to NGO fraud? So what? Haven't you seen the reportage about how a bulk of funds many of the big name charities raise go to paying their execs?
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/15/the-controversial-row-over-charity-ceos-six-figure-salaries/
https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/average-ceo-pay-at-uks-largest-charities-rises-to-192000.html

We don't give to random NGOs run by 'IG babes' and I don't expect any serious person to either. In fact I strongly doubt those 'IG babes' actually make money from the NGOs they claim to run, and that it is the other way around - they make money from somewhere else and use the NGOs to launder it or just boost their social cred. That's neither here nor there though - If you want to give, do your DD and you will find a way to do it effectively.

Its an ample mix of both.

justwise:
Saw this on Facebook

They don't know.

lavida001:
Na why I de cry everyday make Nigeria better even if na even 60% better. Where do we draw the line of jumping from one western country to another.

There are no sign of things getting better in Nigeria. It’s getting worse by the day.

we are stuck between a rock and hard place. The matter tire me.

This is the sad truth. The country does not look to get better in our lifetime.

Goke7:
From the day Starmer insulted Aunty kemi as the self appointed saviour of the western world I started suspecting Starmer. It’s because folks don’t like Kemi including me that’s why it looks as if it wasn’t an issue but I still maintain that was a racist jab! Since that day my mind shifted away from Starmer and I started seeing him as a closet Reform party member!

That's the thing, people pick and choose who they like or react to. Kemi can say or do something with so much good in it, and because it is her, people will find a way to play it down, but someone else might do something with way less of a positive impact, and the world glaze on it. It is the way it is.

Truth be told, there are racists in every party. And its perfectly normal! Humans will always align with their own.

justwise:
This your IMO is wrong and not based on fact, an average WHITE BRITISH? Maybe...just maybe, come to think of it..all the recent harsh immigration policies are not coming from white British office holder, all coming from people like...Suella Braverman, Shabana Mahmood and our long lost sis Kemi.

A front, that is. These individuals follow the guidance of higher powers, who are obviously white British.

Furthermore, I don't think that most white British people are racist. If they were, the country would not have as many Black and Brown people as it does now. One thing I realize is that this wave was always going to occur; it's just a shame it's happening now.

Bukad:
My concern with all these proposals is the use of RQF 6 and below as a criteria. They are people sponsored in HC roles below degree level but earning within 30-45k. Like those working in complex care, acute mental health, senior support workers, emergency services etc. Most people working 3 to 4 shifts a week on these roles average over 30k.
Also, If the government is to peg the earned model on household income, some families could have over 80k.
Meanwhile @zahra what's the fate of MSc students who switched to HC roles. Does the government hope to keep them within such roles knowing that majority could get other roles that align to thiet skills but for sponsorship requirement.

They won't alter this in any way. They established the sponsorship tie for jobs for a reason. If left unchecked, they know that most people in the HC roles would leave immediately.

jedisco:
Banter aside and thinking through, I notice there's an animosity/dread some Nigerians have towards Indians.

Having worked in the NHS, I'm no stranger to working with Indians in different capacities. Even in Cana, dem full and I interract with them as colleagues, staff, patients and in wider settings e.g sales people, realtors e.t.c. infact, one even floated the idea of opening a clinic together.

I see them as just any other cohort - having the good, bad and ugly all of which I've experienced both with them and other demographies. They aggressively seek business- just like most immigrants would and should. Of late, they've had alot of negative media directed at them most of which is driven by hate. I know Nigerians would have come under same fire if we were that visible.

I don't share most of the narrative but given some things have been often repeated by my people, I wonder if there's something I'm missing. I know it'd be anecdotal, I'm keen to know what peoples experience with them has been.

Most people despise them because of the quoted. They are adept at identifying gaps and seizing opportunities. Generally a good thing, but most people don't like it to be them.

Goke7:
wetin go remain for the reform party to campaign now? #bring back our emigrated patriots cos this immigration song don dey expire o

That's it. The talking point for everyone has been taken over by Labour. However, if they are aware of what they are doing, it is a clever tactic.

RodgersAkpafu:
Seems you are right wing/ right leaning

First, these US companies are very overvalued

That's one

Second, the idea that UK ex London is a third world country is ludicrous

There are thriving Northern Cities like Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow etc

Third, the UK govt is doing what they have to, to keep the boat going

The tories have tried it the right wing way and brought nothing but chaos
Lets see what Labour will achieve with their own style

The Labour government is clueless, with no clear ideas of their own. All they have done is take the propositions from the opposition and present them as their own. They don't know what they are doing at all.

HustlaOfLagos:
Yeah, this figure includes dependents

I still maintain that the UK should be used by most as a stepping stone, not the final destination.

They have shown their hands time and again and will likely continue to do so.

After 10-15 years, who says they cant shift the goal post again?

Shifting the goal post is precisely what they would do. Since most of the people they are pushing up now would still be due for the ILR in ten to fifteen years, nothing would have changed. The vast majority of people are currently waiting in line, and I believe that only a small percentage of people would move back to their country of origin or somewhere else. Therefore, you will have nearly twice as many people in line in another ten years when you include people from now and their dependents (the unmarried ones would have married and the children would have grown). Then again, they will definitely move the goal post. It's just common sense to do that.

HustlaOfLagos:
Honestly, in a lot of ways, you cant blame these guys.

Sometimes, you look at videos from Birmingham with certain demographics trying to impose Sharia law etc. Makes 0 sense but sensible immigration is still needed by all countries to poach ready made talent

If we were unable to recognize our homeland, some of us would do the same. I don't blame them in the slightest. Can you imagine the Sharia people talking loudly about their agenda and expecting the locals to keep quiet? In actuality, they are the cause of this aggressive anti-immigration wave; we Africans and others are merely victims. They want to restrict them because they are the actual target. In addition to having the highest birth rate, one of the reasons is that the majority of them have unemployed women, making them a burden on the system. It is uncommon to find an African family in which both members do not contribute to the system and work.

justwise:
Yes I still share the same sentiment.

What is happening now is not unexpected considering the level of abuse carried out by mainly Nigerians and Indians, I only feel sorry for genuine visa holders who played by the book but unfortunately the sins of others are rubbed on innocent ones.

The policy is very very harsh beyond what I anticipated but no country will tolerate this level of visa abuse, though UKIV helped in someways encouraged the abuse.

They created a system with exploitable flaws, and because people are inherently opportunistic, they seized the chance. Since all healthcare professionals entered the country lawfully using government-issued visas, who is at fault when the system is overloaded? Not the migrants, of course.

It remains amazing to me how this whole U.S. intervention is still something that we debate. However sinister the intentions behind the intervention might be, and of course we all know it is not entirely a Christian genocide, as the victims of the banditry and terrorism are people of both Islam and Christian faith. But what we all can agree to or should agree to is the fact that the killings have to stop.

We can deny it all we want, but as someone once said, if an insurgency lasts beyond 24 hours, then the government is complicit in it. For this insurgency to have lasted for more than 15 years tells a bigger story that we all fail to acknowledge or we just deny for the sake of it.

In the wake of this call, we can all see how proactive the government has been on the matter. This just shows that they had it within them to have curbed or even totally eradicated the terrorists, but just chose not to. And like some people have said here, it is not up to anyone to tell the victims of these attacks what to do.

My hometown and local government area in Kogi State have been under steady attack for the past few months now. You want to tell me at this point I should give a damn about preserving the integrity of Nigeria? No, I don’t. As much as I know there’s a chance that U.S. intervention might escalate the situation beyond what it is, I also know there’s a chance it doesn’t have to.

The government should rather see the charge by Trump as a wake up call for them to do what is right.

oluwaleokey:
I believe age plays a major factor
You don't expect baba tunde with 3 kids or papa chukwudi with kids to jumping around countries even when they have got a reasonable paying job that's way above average pay?
It's entirely not a bad idea but remember some folks migrated with family or do not have age on their side anymore.
Good luck to all of us on any category we belong

Facts! The majority of Nigerian migrants are older and most migrated with family. Relocating a family is difficult, even within the UK. You will require stability, particularly for your kids.

Goke7:
There are migrants on benefits like asylum seekers, approved refugees including European citizens who are in legally. The problem is those who aren’t entitled to benefits are not always separated from the discourse.

This is exactly the case.

Zahra29:
Second gen? Lol

As much as I love to help, I don't think I can in this instance as your premise is flawed. For starters, not sure who referred to immigrants as parasites - I might be wrong but I'm pretty sure I didn't hear Shabana say that, or even Suella.

Also, no where is it stipulated that a descendant of immigrants must forever be a proponent of uncontrolled migration, or else be labelled a sellout, gatekeeper etc - even a 1st gen migrant can be concerned about high migration levels if they see its detrimental effects.

No serious nation should ever let its immigration system go unchecked. Even with how unserious Nigeria can be, immigration should still be guarded carefully. However, the problem is that many of these people seem to focus on demonizing legal immigrants, often acting like they don’t even understand the very laws they’re trying to enforce. I keep hearing things like “migrants shouldn’t be on benefits,” and I honestly struggle to see how that makes sense, especially when it’s not even the case in reality.

Goodenoch:
Yes, had to pay application fees plus IHS each time. Been a chunk each time. Good thing is - if you or your spouse are in health and care (the industry, not the visa), you will be able to claim back the IHS fee installmentally.

I only felt guilt in the first place because it was a fairly small (by employee numbers) outfit but next couple of places have been massive organisations so much less personal.

The refund even, you only get about 65% back, not the full amount you paid.

Jamesclooney:
Ok, I hear you. Let me play along and please humour me.

I currently have about £20k cash saved up.
Family of four( husband, wife, and 2 kids)
If my SWV/ILR gets pulled from under my feet, what are my options?

Where can I move to with my cash reserves?

NB - I’m not in the medical/healthcare field.

There is a possibility that the ILR might not apply retrospectively and may only apply to individuals already on the routes when the rules are introduced.

Fred2020:
I am not in either field either, but facing the prospect of being locked in a 10-year restrictive visa (during which there is likely to be more changes before the 10 years is up) and being on a temporal visa that would need to be renewed every few years, for me it is a wakeup call to seriously consider the alternatives.

You also need to consider the fact that on the balance of probabilities you are more likely to have a breakdown in a relationship with your employer or a more servitude-like conditions once your employer realises they have to put up with you for 10 years and not many other other employers can offer you a SWV on a high salary band.

I also dont intend to renounce my Nigerian citizenship.

You can sit tight and be slow-boiled, or you can smell the coffee and seek out what your alternatives are as a back up plan at least

Forcing people to work for the same employer for 10yrs is peak wickedness. Unless the visas are made to make job switching easy, otherwise, it's nothing but a modern-day slavery.

This is the only way this can work - FG pays the money directly to the institutions.

London Pickups and Deals with IBL


Hello guys, I will be offering pickup services for items purchased on Facebook marketplace (so many crazy deals), gumtree.com, ebay.co.uk, loot.com, preloved.co.uk, and personal shopper within London (tell me what you're looking for and I check and give you quote).

Pick up requires you to finalize your deal with your seller then getting me involved. I will also post some deals from time to time. Deal hunters can also use this avenue to push and close deals but every deal is at the discretion of those involved.

Check your pick up around my location in Catford, Lewisham Borough, South East London, SE61TY zip code. Locations outside of London are possible at checked rates subject to train cost.

Pickup and fuel Charges
1 - 9 miles : £10
10 - 14 miles : £15
15 - 20 miles : £20
21 - 24 miles : £25
25 - 30 miles : £30
31 - 34 miles : £35
35 - 40 miles : £40


Shipping Charges
Laptops : £40 ( Not exceeding 7lbs, extra lbs is £4/lbs)
Gaming Laptops : £60
Phones : £30-35
Ps4 consoles: £60
Other items: £10 per kg

Note:

Any payment into my account without prior notice will be reported to the fraud department and would only be released after conclusive investigation.



Please, always ascertain the condition of your items at pick up. I will not be liable for any damage, if it is not checked at pick up.
Items should be picked at the latest 3days after arrival to avoid handling charges.

Exchange Rates:
Rates vary
N980-to £1etc

WEBSITES INCLUDE…
-Facebook marketplace
-Gumtree
-Loot


LAPTOPS
-Please , if ur asking me to go pickup a laptop for you, always ask ur sellers to "factory Reset " it, and wipe off all data b4 i get there. Wouldn't want to get there, he/she comes and they say they want to remove data; this takes almost 1hr to do, and time is not my friend(other sellers are waiting)... Don't forget to ask if the laptop powers on, be specific, ask if the laptop has any cracks.



MACBOOKS
Please guys, always try and get the model num/serial number from each sellers for each macbook your asking me to go pickup. PLEASE FAILURE TO PROVIDE THIS, SIMPLE MEANS YOU ARE OK WITH WHATEVER IS PICKED..


NOTE
1. Shipment is Every Thursday and EDD is 7 to 15 business days if no problems with weather/customs/airline.

2. Checkout pickup sites of your choice. Pickup city is London and zipcode is SE62AD.

3. Final stop for packages is Lagos . Items can be sent to other states at an agreed fee.

4. When asking me to pick up phones, It is your responsibility to chat with the seller to know if the phone is clean and clear, locked or unlocked, confirm with IMEI number and send me the IMEI number so that when picking up items, the IMEI must match. It is your responsibility to make sure FMI is off, always make sure FMI is off before I proceed for pickup. At pickup location, i will cross check there is no "sign in" on the phone with apple ID. I won't be responsible for anything thereafter. Like I said, it's your responsibility to make sure FMI is off before proceeding for pickups

5. After this, send me information to pick up on whatsapp. Due to nature of London, I will only be meeting a public place and no transactions at night.

6. Items picked up on pickup sites are not refundable as they offer no buyer protection and DON'T PAY MONEY INTO MY ACCOUNT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. WHO DOES THAT GETS RETUNDED 30 DAYS AFTER

7. Incase of unsuccessful pickup like seller not showing up, items not as described, pickup fee wont be refunded but item money will be refunded fully without any charges.

8. Sunday is off but we can still work out if I'm open to work.

9. PICKUP ITEMS FROM £700 IS £50 PICKUP FEE, £900 IS £70 PICKUP FEE. £1000, PICKUP FEE IS £100. £2000 is £200. Other can be negotiated DEPENDING ON CIRCUMSTANCES

10. I ONLY ACCEPT FULL PAYMENT OF ITEMS, PICKUP AND SHIPPING FEE

11. By asking me to pickup, You have agreed to the T & C.

12. I meetup only at Public parks, Bus stops, Open malls, Mcdonsalds, starbucks, Tesco and anywhere deemed safe.

13. In the case of air mishap( air crash)/permanent seizure from Customs, Fire accident(Shippers offices) I won't be held liable for any loss during the time.


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Whatsapp; /2347033801718, /447780475888

OFFICE:
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Putin would go wherever he wants and nothing would happen to him.