₦airaland Forum

lavida001:
Can anyone explain why Americans give out these humongous foreign aids to country’s. What do they stand to get in return?

Not sure, but same question applies to the UK. We give out millions in aid to developing nations including India (who many have argued is no longer in need of our aid if they're capable of sending rockets into space) :/

Bdw the new US secretary of state has put a pause on foreign aid pending a "review".

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.

jedisco:
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.

Jedisco, Jedisco, Jedisco LOL

1. The exact same can be said about Starmer. His approval and party ratings have tumbled since the election.

2. You've never cornered me. I've coped very well with you since 2021/2022 when we started our "spirited debates" and I've remained consistent in my views.

3. Like I've said multiple times, the reason for some of our "spirited debates" was because I countered several of your views such as Brits were lazy, uneducated (because according to you, universities were filled with mainly Nigerians with nary a Brit in sight) and racist. You thankfully have changed (some of) your tune since then.

3. I never said that Africans were the reason for the wait lists. However, I have rejected your completely misguided and anecdotal claim that immigrants never use the NHS, because you apparently never saw any immigrants at your GP surgery in your town :/
My position was, and is, that immigrants make use of the NHS, some more, some less. It's quite simple.

4. AI accusation? I'm confused, you've made mention yourself, numerous times, of your use of AI . I'm merely not surprised - our Nairaland interactions go back a couple of years at least.

5.. I can't remember the last time I brought up international students. I have always maintained that genuine international students are not an issue. There are over 100k Chinese international students alone in the UK in universities from St Andrews to LSE, and they and others are very welcome.
You on the other hand frequently bring up the international student attack line to your party faithful because you're apparently unable to differentiate between student and dependant.

Phew, thank God I have a good, working memory else I could have fallen for your gaslighting attempts. No sir!
At least you'll get the "Zahra bashing" likes you desire. Lol

jedisco:
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?


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)?



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?

1. The HGV industry responded swiftly to the supply shortage by raising wages without government legislation or intervention. The care and agricultural sector on the other hand have dragged their feet for decades and wages only go up when the government increases the minimum wage.

2. Let it be noted (before you change the story, as is your way) that you're the one who mentioned carers being deported, not me. As you say, you know the situation like the back of your hand.

3. What changes have there been to the student visa route? Do you mean the changes preventing students from abandoning their studies and switching to a work visa route or? Perhaps you need a refresher as you appear to conflate the student visa route (which is designed to be one of the fastest, most open and straightforward processes in the west) and rules that apply to dependants. Please state exactly how the government has made it difficult for genuine international students to come over?

4. Yes please. I'm sure the likely incoming Conservative government will be very eager to hear all your famous recommendations, including why Canada needs millions more immigrants, not less. Will you be voting in October?
Oh and maybe you can support Mark Carney, former BoE governor, and Trudeau's likely replacement, with your recommendations on how Canada can get out of this messy tariff situation with the US without becoming the 51st state.

5. I didn't vote for Brexit. There were some issues that needed to be fixed, but I wanted the UK to remain.

6. What do you mean by "so particular"? I'm not "so particular", but I'm concerned at a high level about China's aggressive expansionism. Many African countries don't appear to have a coherent vision or strategy for their trade relationship with China and could be sleepwalking into an unequal and potentially exploitative partnership.

But as you're not so particular about the China-African relationship, and I'm sure you're better informed than me on this issue, I'll cease from the unnecessary concern.

Fantastic news on a potential curative treatment for sickle cell. Well done NHS🎉

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jan/31/groundbreaking-potential-cure-for-sickle-cell-in-england-approved-for-nhs-use

The recent midair collision of a Blackhawks Helicopter and a passenger plane in the USA is beginning to look like a deliberate act on the side of the pilot of the helicopter. Looking at the flight part of the helicopter it appears it was desperately hunting for a target. Maybe I dey over think am 🤦🏿

jedisco:
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)

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.

congratulations

jedisco:
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)

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.

I can’t see Trump tariffs on your letter 😜 All the best bruv!

lavida001:
Dashing out these billions in foreign health aid while the tax payers are one health issue away into debt and overwhelming debt.

It’s not dashing and no one forced them anyway in fact Shebi it was suspended and reversed again 😂 all within one week

jedisco:
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)

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.

Congra bro but where you wan run go?

Viqtour:
Please can you help me or direct me to the page (if it is on this thread) where I can get information on inviting my mother from Nigeria to the UK. I am searching for the detailed documents needed for my mother and I. Also how much do my mother and I need to show in the account.

If anyone else has done this before, I will need your guidance. Thanks

Are you sponsoring the whole trip or is your mum financially capable of picking up the cost of the trip?

Back from today's long run and going through the news thinking "what are minorities going to be blamed for today?".

Nothing, surprisingly. But then the day is still early - let's wait for Badenough and Dump to wake up.

Goodenoch:
Back from today's long run and going through the news thinking "what are minorities going to be blamed for today?".

Nothing, surprisingly. But then the day is still early - let's wait for Badenough and Dump to wake up.

Another plane crash has happened in Philadephia, we are just waiting to hear it's DEI fault again

Yes, however, it came to my notice that Spousal visa doesn't qualify for Administrative Review. Heard its mostly for Point based visa. True?

There was no mention of Admin Review at the bottom of the letter. I was only told i can't appeal the decision.

Zahra29:
Sorry to hear this. From what you've said, it definitely sounds like some mistakes have been made by the caseworker.

You should have the right to an administrative review - it's usually 14 days from the decision date. The details should be towards the bottom of the letter or email. Are you able to engage the services of a lawyer to assist with drafting and filing the review?

jedisco:
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)

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.

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

Kromium:
Yes, however, it came to my notice that Spousal visa doesn't qualify for Administrative Review. Heard its mostly for Point based visa. True?

There was no mention of Admin Review at the bottom of the letter. I was only told i can't appeal the decision.

No that's not true. A spousal visa application can sometimes qualify for administrative review, or have appeal rights if article 8 is engaged.

In your case they appear to have circumvented both by granting you leave, albeit on a longer pathway, instead of refusing your application.

Can you copy and paste the relevant section at the bottom of the letter where it mentions your next steps/what to do next?

You might be able to file a reconsideration request if they haven't given you an option to review or appeal, but let's confirm what the letter says first.

Edit: I forgot to ask - did you provide the minimum number of documents for you and your spouse as evidence of cohabitation?

Please see below the full letter. Anything below here just talks about BRP, what can be done with the visa and further application process.

Yes, i noticed someone who applied for a reconsideration request via sending an email to HO complaints and Public enquiries email and they agreed to reconsider.

The attached from HO guideline is more like our scenario. My wife stay in Manchester while i work in London, however, i travel weekly to manchester. Work is considered as a reasonable reason from tremporarily not living with your partner which i indicated.

For Better context see below question and answer from the application form. Please READ ALL carefully

Q: Do you and your partner currently live together?
A: No

Q:Please explain why you do not currently live with your partner
A: We partly live together because my work is based in London, however, i see my partner weekly and spend days with her. I have included bus ,train, Uber receipts indicates my travel from London to Rochdale to be with my partner. In the future, i am considering roles in North West instead of London (due to cost of living) which are strongly aligned with my career and possibly the industry i work . This will help us to spend more time together as against my consistent weekly travel to London area.

Q: How do you keep in touch with your partner?
A: Travel to spend time with her, Phone calls, Whatsapp messages, Video calls via Whatsapp. I call her morning before heading to work in the
morning, during break and after work closing hours.

Q: Enter details for any periods of time you have not lived with your partner including where you were living, for how long and the reasons you lived apart (this does not include holidays)
A: I only started living with my partner partly from September 2024 (after our traditional and church wedding) because based on our culture, 2 people in an unmarried partnership or relationship are not meant to be living together until they are married. Before marriage we visited each other and didn't live together prior our wedding.

I believe the above will give a better context and will help with the next steps.

NB: I was living in London area before the wedding whilst she has always been in Manchester. After the wedding i always worked a week in London and a week in Manchester (WFH). At the time of the application all my proof of address (payslip, Bank statement, marriage certificate) was in the London address, however i had my Lloyds Bank which has been addressed to the Manchester address since May 2024. I thought it might lead to a clear refusal if i had applied saying we lived together whilst my documents indicated otherwise.

After my application in November, I have a document which indicate now on Electoral register in Manchester in December and i have car insurance in both names and car purchase in both our names. This were all done after the application and i believe will maybe help with next steps.

Zahra29:
No that's not true. A spousal visa application can sometimes qualify for administrative review, or have appeal rights if article 8 is engaged.

In your case they appear to have circumvented both by granting you leave, albeit on a longer pathway, instead of refusing your application.

Can you copy and paste the relevant section at the bottom of the letter where it mentions your next steps/what to do next?

You might be able to file a reconsideration request if they haven't given you an option to review or appeal, but let's confirm what the letter says first.

Edit: I forgot to ask - did you provide the minimum number of documents for you and your spouse as evidence of cohabitation?

I don't think this qualifies as not living together. You do live together but you sometimes go away for work.

It does sound like whoever the reviewer was did not read the application at all.
I would apply for a review.

Zahra29:
Not sure, but same question applies to the UK. We give out millions in aid to developing nations including India (who many have argued is no longer in need of our aid if they're capable of sending rockets into space) :/

Bdw the new US secretary of state has put a pause on foreign aid pending a "review".

They even said uk aid is peanut. So why keep giving them free money. No brainer

lavida001:
They even said uk aid is peanut. So why keep giving them free money. No brainer

It depends on the type of international aid. There are two main types:

Loans – Some international aid comes in the form of loans, which must be repaid, often with interest. These are typically provided by institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), or individual countries. Some loans come with favorable (low-interest) terms, known as concessional loans.

Grants – These are gifts and do not need to be repaid. Many humanitarian and development aid programs fall into this category.

Additionally, some debts from aid programs are forgiven or restructured if the recipient country faces economic hardship.

Zahra29:
Not sure, but same question applies to the UK. We give out millions in aid to developing nations including India (who many have argued is no longer in need of our aid if they're capable of sending rockets into space) :/

Bdw the new US secretary of state has put a pause on foreign aid pending a "review".

lavida001:
They even said uk aid is peanut. So why keep giving them free money. No brainer

This article is 12 yrs old. What newspaper is this, please?

justwise:
Are you sponsoring the whole trip or is your mum financially capable of picking up the cost of the trip?

Both of us are capable so I will need guidance on who is best and how to organise the application. My mother through my late father has some Landed properties and investment. Is it best to put it as a prove she will return to Nigeria? She visited UK for 3 months with my late father for medical reasons in 2019 but I was not in UK then. I need guidance on how to arrange the application.

Viqtour:
Both of us are capable so I will need guidance on who is best and how to organise the application. My mother through my late father has some Landed properties and investment. Is it best to put it as a prove she will return to Nigeria? She visited UK for 3 months with my late father for medical reasons in 2019 but I was not in UK then. I need guidance on how to arrange the application.

If you can sponsor the trip without her financial input then good, she can add landed and investment documents to support her application and on your own part you need to... draw out budget for her trip and submit your bank statement to support the budget.(Don't over budget) cost of her flight ticket, shopping etc..

You need to submit your mortgage/tenancy agreement, bank statement and a brief statement outlining what your mum is coming to do.

Submit payment receipt for the medical treatment your mum received in 2019 else her visa application is likely to be denied/

justwise:
[/b]

If you can sponsor the trip without her financial input then good, she can add landed and investment documents to support her application and on your own part you need to... draw out budget for her trip and submit your bank statement to support the budget.(Don't over budget) cost of her flight ticket, shopping etc..

You need to submit your mortgage/tenancy agreement, bank statement and a brief statement outlining what your mum is coming to do.

Submit payment receipt for the medical treatment your mum received in 2019 else her visa application is likely to be denied/

Ok thanks.

My dad received the medical treatment she just accompanied him as his spouse. My dad is late now does she still need to get the payment receipt?

Viqtour:
Ok thanks.

My dad received the medical treatment she just accompanied him as his spouse. My dad is late now does she still need to get the payment receipt?

Obviously not.

Hi fam,

Please i recently passed my auto driving test….does anyone have any tip on how to get a good car? And possibly a cheap insurance?

Viqtour:
Ok thanks.

My dad received the medical treatment she just accompanied him as his spouse. My dad is late now does she still need to get the payment receipt?

No.

Hi guys....I'm currently on a skilled worker visa which would expire March 2026. My employer has no job for me for 3-4 months and says she has to inform the govt soon. I was hoping to switch by getting married to my boyfriend who I've been dating for almost 2 years and he's also a citizen. What are my chances of not being denied? Won't the govt think the relationship is not genuine knowing my visa expires soon

Trade War has begun…. US versus Canada 😂….
Interesting time ahead.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-b2690086.html

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn4z23kndlyo.amp

Kromium:
Please see below the full letter. Anything below here just talks about BRP, what can be done with the visa and further application process.

Yes, i noticed someone who applied for a reconsideration request via sending an email to HO complaints and Public enquiries email and they agreed to reconsider.

The attached from HO guideline is more like our scenario. My wife stay in Manchester while i work in London, however, i travel weekly to manchester. Work is considered as a reasonable reason from tremporarily not living with your partner which i indicated.

For Better context see below question and answer from the application form. Please READ ALL carefully

Q: Do you and your partner currently live together?
A: No

Q:Please explain why you do not currently live with your partner
A: We partly live together because my work is based in London, however, i see my partner weekly and spend days with her. I have included bus ,train, Uber receipts indicates my travel from London to Rochdale to be with my partner. In the future, i am considering roles in North West instead of London (due to cost of living) which are strongly aligned with my career and possibly the industry i work . This will help us to spend more time together as against my consistent weekly travel to London area.

Q: How do you keep in touch with your partner?
A: Travel to spend time with her, Phone calls, Whatsapp messages, Video calls via Whatsapp. I call her morning before heading to work in the
morning, during break and after work closing hours.

Q: Enter details for any periods of time you have not lived with your partner including where you were living, for how long and the reasons you lived apart (this does not include holidays)
A: I only started living with my partner partly from September 2024 (after our traditional and church wedding) because based on our culture, 2 people in an unmarried partnership or relationship are not meant to be living together until they are married. Before marriage we visited each other and didn't live together prior our wedding.

I believe the above will give a better context and will help with the next steps.

NB: I was living in London area before the wedding whilst she has always been in Manchester. After the wedding i always worked a week in London and a week in Manchester (WFH). At the time of the application all my proof of address (payslip, Bank statement, marriage certificate) was in the London address, however i had my Lloyds Bank which has been addressed to the Manchester address since May 2024. I thought it might lead to a clear refusal if i had applied saying we lived together whilst my documents indicated otherwise.

After my application in November, I have a document which indicate now on Electoral register in Manchester in December and i have car insurance in both names and car purchase in both our names. This were all done after the application and i believe will maybe help with next steps.

Thanks for the detailed explanation.

The section in the guidance notes refers to instances where one partner is spending limited periods outside the UK. Exceptions can be made if the reason is for work, study etc however the expectation is that where both partners reside in the UK, even if one works in another city, they should have a permanent home together and the relevant documents to evidence this.

It's very positive that you are now on the electoral roll at your joint address plus other documents.

Options - request a reconsideration and include the new accommodation evidence (known as fresh claim) or make a fresh application (which will attract a new application fee).

Amy1974:
Hi guys....I'm currently on a skilled worker visa which would expire March 2026. My employer has no job for me for 3-4 months and says she has to inform the govt soon. I was hoping to switch by getting married to my boyfriend who I've been dating for almost 2 years and he's also a citizen. What are my chances of not being denied? Won't the govt think the relationship is not genuine knowing my visa expires soon

It should be fine as long as you are able to prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting (you'll need to provide various types of supporting documents), and you meet the other eligibility requirements such as a minimum salary of £29,000 for the sponsor or applicant, English language requirements etc.

Note that your ILR clock will reset if you switch to a spouse visa, and you will need to renew your spouse visa every 2.5 years until ILR.

Note also that the immigration surcharge applies to a spousal visa.

Viqtour:
Please can you help me or direct me to the page (if it is on this thread) where I can get information on inviting my mother from Nigeria to the UK. I am searching for the detailed documents needed for my mother and I. Also how much do my mother and I need to show in the account.

If anyone else has done this before, I will need your guidance. Thanks

Assuming your mum is of pensioners age and you can sponsor the full trip:

Your birth certificate
Your int passport
At least 3 months recent payslips
1 - 3 months recent bank statement (this is optional but if you decide to add it, the opening and closing balance should be up to 4k upwards)
Utility bill
Tenancy agreement/purchase contract
Your mum's passport
Your mum's bank statement (at least 3 months. Opening and closing balance of 100k upwards is okay)
Invitation letter stating that you will bear full financial responsibility for the trip, where she will stay, reason and duration of visit and your share code to prove your right of residency (BRP would have done this but all BRPs have expired).

If your mum will sponsor herself or if she's not of pensioneers age, it becomes more complex because her account balance needs to reflect the cost of the trip and she then needs to prove source of the funds, tax payment etc