₦airaland Forum

missjekyll:
I see my beautiful Torquay and Paignton. They must be joking. Beautiful seaside towns. Everybody comes down during summer, including the addicts who stay on after that.

I would take them off this list. I m going to leave Plymouth on there though. With its white rowhouses. *gag*

Lol.
I like Plymouth.

marylandcakes:
The truth is most of the people that compile these list, don’t live in the real world. I will take it with a pinch of salt. Hackney, Brixton and Highbury and Inslington used to be on this list, until the towns were gentrified and ethnic cleansed and it’s now out of the reach of the common man. The same was done with Stratford.
What people don’t understand is that there is ethnic cleansing going on in London. The only affordable boroughs in London at the moment is Barking and Dagenham and maybe Croydon. Soon only the rich will be able to buy a place in London.

You mean gentrification, I presume.

marylandcakes:
Here is the 2022 list of the 50 worst places to live in the UK

Bolton, Oldham and Leicester are definitely Asian.
Boston is virtually eastern Europe.
I wonder why Leeds, Plymouth and Southampton are on that list..
As for Barking, I would have thought it would be higher, lol.
and I didn't see Birmingham - by reputation alone, it should be there.
Along with Newport in Wales.

No Scottish location on the list, I see.

bluebella:
Good Evening Gurus and all other lovely people here. I really appreciate the quality of information shared in this section. A big thanks to everyone. I finally landed in the UK (Manchester) with my wife. We are staying temporarily with a distant cousin for the next one month (paying oooo). Please I want to ask if I can work with my old National Insurance number...... I left the UK about 11years ago (was here for 4years b4 relocating to Nigeria). Gurus in the house, I need your opinions, suggestions and advice, please. I have collected my BRP and no NI is behind it. Am on a dependant visa, my wife is a student(student visa).

Best Regards.

Yes.

midasfx:
Just checked. It isn’t there.

Those on Tier 4 won't have NINos on the back of their BRPs.

Your NiNo will come in the form of a letter sent to you at your chosen address. However, addresses can change, as people move around, so that address is not in any way permanent or determinative.

When seeking work, you will be asked for one document as proof of identity, then your right to work (BRP), and a proof of address. The fastest way to get an official document proving your address is to use a bank statement. Open a Starling/Monzo/Chase account in-app, use your card a few times, and you'll rapidly have a bank statement available to download with your chosen address on it. Depending on what kind of accommodation you eventually rent, a utility bill also works.

midasfx:
Please how long does it take before the NI number comes out? as I'm not sure if I should specify my current Airbnb location on the application.

Please advise.

Don't.
Find a friend/relation with a permanent address and use that.

deept:
My brother!!!!! They want to kill the gentleman. On student visa, 20hrs work week, school fees, rent, bills, wife and two kids.

More like a mutual suicide pact.

captainhoo:
From my little knowledge, this budget may get you a two bed in areas like West brom, Bordesley, aston but these places are famous for security issues( these areas are predominantly Indians, Pakistan, nigerians) . You can try search for accommodation in erdington. Schools for children are determined by the local council I think.
If you want central Birmingham, you may have to add a little more to your budget.

I would avoid Aston in the OP's shoes.

Olofaina:
What do you want to know?

Thank you sir/ma KennyKale

I'm using a UK bank account from Halifax Bank, with a balance of over 17K GBP. I got cas with the same account, my tuition deposit was paid from the same account. The first money lodged into the account was lodged on the 30th of Sep. Last transaction was on Dec 14th, when my deposit was paid.

My question is, I'm looking to apply for visa this week, is it okay if I print from Dec 6th to Jan 3rd? Or does it matter if I print from Sep 30th that £15K was first paid into the account? It's my parents acct.

Also, is it mandatory that It's signed and stamped? It was printed electronically and it shows bank logo, acct number, address, date printed, balance and transaction charts.

Thanks.

You don't need to get it stamped and signed.
Print the statement covering a 28 day period prior to the date on which you apply for the visa online. For instance, if applying on 5 January, print a statement covering 28 days up till 5 January.

You can actually present a statement covering a period longer than 28 days if you like, as far as the money required has been in that account for the 28 days prior to your application date.

https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money
https://www.timeanddate.com/date/dateadd.html

Lexusgs430:
Guy's please be careful out and about, this covid is spreading like wildfire ..........

It's showing no mercy, kids, geriatrics, men, women, pregnant ladies etc etc .......

Be mindful.......

It's now endemic.
It's time humanity has to live with this virus. Good that Boris has ruled out any more lockdowns, but the restrictions are almost as harmful as the lockdowns, especially the "if you get a positive LFT, go home for 10 days" stuff which is really killing public services.

onibokun10:
Hi guys, what are the chances of some of us studying courses that are not in the shortage list? Will it be hard or impossible for us to get sponsorship ? Also , if after the 2yrs PSW there's no sponsorship, which other ways are there to remain legally staying in this land ?

Apart from medical doctors, nurses, etc., virtually the same as those studying courses on the so-called shortage list.

Apart from all that, let's all remember the following:

1) This is a public forum anyone anywhere in the world can read.
2) Nigerians have a dreadful reputation worldwide for being anything from lawless rulebreakers to outright criminals.
3) Coming online to talk or boast about instances of rule breaking or bending, or anything not aboveboard not only does not paint Nigeria and Nigerians in a good light, but further darkens the already negative perception about the country.
4) For all those who think it doesn't matter, remember that you are going (or planning to go) to a country not your own, to seek employment, housing and other opportunities, all of which are highly influenced not only by what you studied in school or what skills you may have or think you have, but by the perception, objective or subjective, held by the persons involved in offering those opportunities.

kennykale:
This is not true

You can pay you ihs and visa fees and submit your application before your POF is matured. You only need to book a date after your pof maturity when on TLS website.

I submitted my application since Dec 3 while pof mature on dec 16.

If you wait till pof matures, you will just be there struggling to get dates. Make your payments and submit your application for them book a date after your maturity date on TLS site

This is not true.
You must have the money for 28 days BEFORE you apply.
The application date is the date when you fill the form and pay visa and IHS fees, and NOT the date of biometrics at TLS.
Check the official website on Gov.Uk.

Acanubs:
Good morning Gurus in the house. Please what happens to flight ticket if someone tests positive for Covid during the pre departure PCR test. My test came out inconclusive and i need to redo it again this morning. Flight booked with VA for tomorrow morning. @justwise and Gurus,

First, contact your airline for their Covid rescheduling/cancelling policy.
As you don't have a positive test 24 hours before flight time, do you want to wait for the results of the second one before cancelling/rescheduling? Will that fall within your airline's cancellation timeframe? When you have gotten the details of your airline's cancellation policy, then it's your decision to make.

okposm:
From what our seniors here have said, and what I heard on blogs, I can say the indians are just like the people from the northern part of Nigeria. They always look for ways to accommodate their own. That is the reason people from the North will keep going higher in any area you find them in Nigeria and not because of intelligence.

The southerners will always fight themselves with pull him down syndrome and we unknowingly take this out . I read a story in a group where a lady decided not stay with the elder sister who lives with two kids and her husband in a four bedroom duplex The plan by the elder sister was that the lady will live it her while the lady pays her fees herself. But because of what the lady perceived during her visit she decided not to stay

According to her, when the sister comes to Nigeria they sleep on the same bed. But when she visited uk, the sister gave her mattress to sleep on the floor in the same room. Even though the bed could accommodate two people comfortably.

I think we should watch it and not complain about uk opening the flood gate of indians. If it were to be a Nigerian, that had the power to influence things, will he or she do that for his or her countrymen? Let's just continue to sip tea and continue kicking my brothers out.

I don't think people are complaining per se, after all we too are immigrants and a greater openness to immigrants of any colour ultimately benefits all immigrants, if the 'native' inhabitants of the country are fine with that.

And its that group I am waiting with great interest to hear from. Obviously the oyibo man didn't vote for Brexit to basically reduce the flow of white eastern Europeans only to have them replaced with darker Asians.

Lastly, it's not a question of an immigrant opening up the UK to Indian immigration. It is apparently the foreign secretary, who is white, who favours the opening up to India, while the home secretary, who is of Indian origin, apparently does not. Of course, all that could be bait and switch, because if the home secretary openly came out in favour of this policy, it would blow it up.

hustla:
No matter what you type and try to say otherwise, he's not far from the truth at all. These people are on one type of level that it's funny

When supporting some Indians on screen sharing sessions, they run some crazy automation and have some insane setups that you'll have to cut cap
You'll be tasked with supporting an Indian customer, na in go dey lecture you

You're also not far from the truth, they have the population to help them

If you say that the Indian interlocutors with whom you've interfaced have amazed you with their skills as compared to yours, that's one thing entirely. Extrapolating from your personal experience that this then means that citizens of that country are on a level above everyone else is a different and in my opinion most indefensible thing altogether.

But again, its your opinion, and you are entitled to it.

Chreze:
Sis, I have lived in India when I was doing some IT training. Those people are something else. They are geniuses. Trust me. They are just suffering from same thing Nigeria is suffering from “Corruption by people in power”.

Any country wey China de fight. Investigate that country, cos China get eyes well well and them know people wey go take over the world last last.

Geniuses kwa?
I've nothing against India or the disparate groups of people who make up that country (it's a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria and they also have their own stereotypes of the various nationalities the same way we stereotype our northerners or riverine peoples), but I certainly don't see how a country which is simply making strides by following up on western technological developments can be described as being a home of geniuses.

There are 1.2 billion Indians, yielding a workforce that is enough to overwhelm any sector. So if a mere 5% of their active population decides to specialise in coding and programming and whatnot that's already 60 million people, larger than the populations of most European countries. And their educational curriculum, which focuses on learning maths the old way gives them an edge in transferring those skills, where learnt, to IT and numerate disciplines. Nothing more than that.

What the average Indian here has, no different from the average Nigerian or Ghanaian or South African, is the drive to succeed because of where they are coming from. The west is of course decadent, the UK is no longer the country it was in the 19th century when it ran its empire, then their people were high-minded, ready to undergo deprivations and so forth in pursuit of an idealised goal. So people like the Chinese and Indians who are still driven and focused will definitely make more progress than the west will in many ways, but not because they are any different - the British who came to Africa and Asia and assaulted their populations and seized their lands by force were not geniuses, superhuman or different from any other people, they were just focused on their grand plan to dominate the world.

And decadence comes in cycles - the same way the west achieved so much when it was focused, then began to rot when it had 'made' it, is the same thing that will happen after China (and maybe India) achieve their own dominance - they will have it for a while, then their societies too will also lose focus. The only sad thing is that there does not seem to be a place for Africa in this narrative for the forseeable future.

hustla:
Thanks

Been speaking with abokis and apparently there's a GBP scarcity

Ill keep trying

Really?
Probably some cartelised attempt to manipulate prices, I shouldn't wonder.
I gather CBN's just 'adjusted' the exchange rate, so that should feed through to prices by Tuesday.

hustla:
Hi all

Happy new year

Is it advisable to buy USD if there's No GBP available and then convert on arrival?

I am thinking conversion rates may not be accurate or maybe I'm just over thinking things

Don't.
The USD to GBP rates usually work out to less than you would have gotten had you bought GBP direct with your naira.
If you are buying black market in Naija, just buy GBP direct with your naira.
If you are getting PTA in $, convert to naira and buy GBP before you come.

sweetoma:
@justwise Compliments of the season. While you are here let me repeat a question asked earlier without response. The oanda rate used is that of the date you submit your online application or the date of your biometrics? With the way this pounds is rising on Oanda I have to check. Someone with a margin of extra 1.5m on top of the amount required at todays rate shld be safe right? Hoping it will not appreciate past that by the 4th.

The bolded is the correct one.

Lexusgs430:
From OP's explanations, do you sense a confident data analyst..........

This would not be a certificate employment role, but ability to apply learnt skills, within a presented physical environment...........

Hilarious.

MichaelUde:
I like where the HRGuy said "in my admittedly biased" opinion. That's because there is no right or recommended answer to your request for advice, all you're going to get are opinions.

I have 3 children, and I also looked after my children when we first arrived and I hadn't gotten a day job. No biggie, I still do it.
However, if I have one child like you do, I will put her in [affordable] daycare right away and take any day job that pays enough to cover the costs and leave me with something. I did not enjoy sitting at home during the winter months with 3 children, separating fights and getting homework done, only coming out in the evening when it was already dark to march off to a night job which I did not enjoy. I was unable to get anything much done in the day time or even get to know the new city I was living in, because marching 3 children around to the city to explore was definitely not something I had much energy for.

Again, our Nigerian women dey try in many ways, and I'm no sexist bigot, but do not leave your madam as the sole reasonable earner for any length of time.

They will soon come for my head, so make I tune out first.

Good point.

obalala:
Hello guys landed Southampton less than 2 weeks ago on a dependant visa,(wife in healthcare). Already applying for jobs and got a two interviews already at NHS but the salary is a little above 18k and its 8-4pm..Issue is we have a 2yr old girl. My aunt is suggesting I start with a night picker and packer hustle so I have time for my daughter during the day.

NB
Gone to find out cost of daycare 7am -6pm £250

Big question is should I keep applying for daytime office job and keep my daughter in daycare or start off with picker and packer jobs till we are fully settled.
My wife work timetable has no nights till March + I'm a certified data analyst with few months experience back in 9ja..

Looking forward to your advise .. thanks alot

If you get the job, 18k p.a. will provide you with a net salary of about 1,230 after tax.
Your childcare bill at 250 p.w will come out to about 1,000 give or take, less any extras to be paid. You and your wife can afford that on your joint pay.

My admittedly biased opinion (I'm very unsentimental when it comes to childcare, all my children went to 8 - 6 p.m. daycare from the age of 3 months and I never bothered to look into the possibilities of getting a relation/househelp to look after them at home) is take the job if you get it, and you guys pay for the childcare. Then you continue looking for a job as usual. In my experience, it's usually easier to get considered for a job when you already have one and are looking to move. You also kickstart your career sooner (and additionally start racking up time to count towards the so-called UK experience stuff). Nothing also stops you from pulling a nightshift somewhere (say 6 - 10 p.m.) after your madam returns from work.

The ultimate would be a WFH job for you so you can earn and save on childcare at the same time, but while looking for that, take the opportunity to put some formal work experience under your belt.

Secondly, depending on you (and what you were doing back in Nigeria), sitting indoors with a 2 year old all day in a small flat might not be the easiest of things to do.

fatima04:
So you would rather wait until they turn to illegal citizens? They moved to the UK with a purpose not to buy properties in Nigeria or relocate back. What happens to the single applicant after PSW without a job sponsorship as well.

Immigration to the UK is generally expensive, best to accept that on time and strategise properly.

Well said at the bolded.
Lamenting and ranting about the costs of all the numerous visas helps in no way whatsoever to change that fact.

Like every other significant action in life, prospective immigrants should research properly, assess their options and chances realistically and not Nigerian-style (hoping for the best), then make their decisions.

Ticha:
The family drama that ensued following that decision ehn...
Apparently papa said he must be buried at home. Mama enforced it with lots of wailing and crying. For her dad's repatriation, she and her sister (both in the UK) ended up owing money left, right and centre. Mama fell ill just after she returned from 9ja (she spent 5 months at home) and never recovered. Both parents had ILR and were retired but as our people can be somehow with future financial planning, they had absolutely no savings and were just drawing standard government pension.

My in laws have insurance in place to cover the cost of their funerals which was shocking to me initially as per no be our way. FIL wants to be buried and has a plot ready (bought one in his 40s, he's now early 70s). MIL wants to be cremated and her ashes scattered in the Scottish Highlands - her favourite place. All documented in their wills and they tell us often what they want

I find all those funeral insurance adverts such as the Coop Funeral Care one most interesting.
I always wonder how such providers make money given that this is an insurance policy that every subscriber is definitely going to claim on.
In no event will I run into debt to repatriate the remains of any parent who has not already made provision for their repatriation. All I owe them is an interment/cremation, not a funeral in a specific location.

I've no interest whatsoever in what my dependents do with my remains postmortem, but plan to specifically leave instructions and provision for cremation. If they decide to inter at their own expense, good for them.

AirBay:
Please do you know a cheap and reliable insurance for children in UK?

Note: the children are on dependant visa but didn't pay IHS fees during visa application because their visa was less than 6months.

My employer uses BUPA.
You could try them to see what quotes they'll provide.

Raalsalghul:
There's also the issue of applying for the Post Study visa with a family of four/five.

What are the odds that they will save 8000 to 10000 pounds before the program elapses?

It's very important they factor in that.

Doable, but long odds.

tshoboy:
I think the other concern should be that the current visa might not count towards 5 years ILR route, while a T2 visa will count towards it. So, it would be better for the person to switch earlier.

Agreed, but if you read the poster's message, he says the employer is not prepared to do do the whole sponsorship thing now, there is nothing to be done in that case apart from accepting or rejecting the offer.

dovies:
Hello,

Please I need a clarification on Tier 2 application. Can a tier 4 dependant start a job on a valid visa before applying for a tier 2 visa? The new company is happy to sponsor but wants him to start first since his current visa allows him to work and has not expired.

You've both asked and answered your own question.

If:
a) you have a valid visa which entitles you to seek employment;
b) you have found employment;
c) the employer is prepared to employ you with your current immigration permission and has stated it is also prepared to provide you with the necessary means to change your status when that becomes necessary;
then
d) you should accept the employer's offer and commence employment as your visa allows you to do.

DFmum:
Okay....am really confused in making decisions on this matter, should I leave my kids back home with their father or bring them here with my mother for how long? Are there agencies where I can hire helps to stay with the kids when I go to work? So many on this little head of mine

Keep emotion aside and apply cold calculation.
Leave the children at home for a while.
Settle into your job and new life first.
Stabilise.
(Your mother can only spend a maximum of 6 months at a time on a visitor's visa, and she certainly can't leave then turn around at Lagos airport and return for another 6 months).
Map out the battles you will have to fight regarding childcare and costs thereof.
Mobilise the resources you will need to deal with the situation facing you.

ukay2:
Better leave them with your husband or mother until you stabilze in the UK oo

Best advice.

IcecoldDon:
@justwise @TheGuyFromHR @fatima04 Please I posted this earlier

Hello Guys, this is my first post on this thread even though i have been following for some weeks now and I have to say it has been very wonderful seeing all the invaluable contributions made here for our benefit. Kudos to you all. I am currently doing my Msc in Construction Project and Cost Management in Coventry University and I got here in October. I am hoping to bring my wife and 3 kids over latest by April hopefully, so I was hoping for responses from the house on the following;
1. Is it true that it is not permitted to get a 2 bedroom if you have 3 kids?
2. Are Visa and Health surcharge same for kids under 5 years old, the last will be one next year May
3. I have around 8 years construction and project management background as I have been based in Abuja, what are the chances of getting a sponsored construction job here before my student visa is up as against the post study visa which i have already calculated as over 9000 pounds for me and my family.

1. It's the ages and genders of the children that count in relation to overcrowding - (children of different genders heading towards teenage years and above should not share the same room), so given that you've got children under 5, you can take a 2 bedroom flat.

2. The fee is the same for all children irrespective of their age.

3. Since you asked, if you would like to bring your family over and to have them stay, my advice would be for you to start saving up for the 9,000+ pounds fee, while you continue to offer up prayers and supplications to your preferred supernatural being for the first outcome to eventuate, because my opinion is that it is way more likely that you will have to pay it than not.