Particularly directed at those who travel from London to Lagos regularly, what time of the year do you think is best to book tickets, if one intends to fly in December?

Many thanks!

Wow,  what a long discussion! I was going to walk on by, but now I'm hooked.  Firstly, I think we're all agreed that not "everybody" wants to travel out of Nigeria.  I think the poster's deliberately exaggerating.  However, I do agree that a very large number of people, and quite possibly the vast majority, do fall into this category.

I left Nigeria in 2003, not because there were no good prospects there.  On the contrary, I said to all who would listen that Nigeria was a good place to make money, but that there's more to life than money.  I left because of the policemen that stop you for nothing, asking for "particulars" and just wanting "something for the boys".  I left because of the people jumping queues and being rowdy and disorderly,  you know, the ones who turn to you as you protest, and say, "ol' boy, this na Lagos!".  I left because I took a long hard look at the previous generation of leaders and saw that they were corrupt, and I lost hope that they would change.  I left because I looked at the next generation, my generation, and was horrified to see no difference.  In the words of George Orwell in Animal Farm, I looked from man to pig, and pig to man, and could not tell the difference anymore.  

I left because I did not believe that one man could make a real difference to the entrenched culture of corruption in daily life, without having to lay his own life down for it.  I left because I did not feel I was willing to lay my life down for the cause of reforming my country.  And for that last reason, I feel a twinge of shame.

Not everybody wants to leave.  My parents love Nigeria dearly.  Both of them lived in the UK for ages; dad for 13 years, mum for 9.  They returned to help build our country and did well for themselves.  The next generation (my bro and I) came back to the UK out of choice, not necessity.

I still try to visit home once every couple of years, and I want my kids to grow up with the knowledge that they are both British and Nigerian. I would love them to have a sense of pride for both nations, but of course that would be their choice.

I may still return one day, because the truth is, I love my country.  I just hate what's been done to it, and I guess I don't have the sacrificial instinct to stay and try to do something about it.  I applaud those who do, and wish them well.

Fantastic game. I was screaming at my TV at the second goal! I'm a casual Man U fan, but when it comes to the Champion's League, all English clubs get my support!

I'm a little worried for the Egyptian people. Does anyone here recognise this scenario?

1. African leader overstays welcome
2. Said African leader is deposed by military
3. There is rejoicing in the streets
4. New military leadership promises elections
5. ,

Let's pause there for now. But am I the only one who feels he's seen this all before?

jpworld:

Yes there is something wrong with wat the Man of Dog says. He pretend he don't take his share from corruption, but he visit aso rock to take his cut, then tell his followers Dog says, he should warn politicians, anyone mess up, Dog will bite him.

Jp world, "the fool has said in his heart, there is no God". You think you're intelligent? You think your neurons are superior to those who believe in the Almighty? You think there is no judgement in this world, and you think there is none after? In times past, and I quote again, "God used the weak and foolish things of this world to confound the wise." The pride of man makes him vaunt himself and say "there is none greater than me, I am a law unto myself and none can judge me", but that pride is itself foolish and dangerous.

I have a firm conviction in my heart that God exists, beyond what human intelligence can decipher. I believe he created us and that the creatures cannot hope to fully understand the Creator. Faith is a powerful thing, JP.

I do not pray that you discover what hell is like by going there. Rather, I pray that our merciful and loving Father will visit you as he did Saul on his way to Damascus. It would be great to see you write one day about things of faith, as did C. S. Lewis, who as I recall reading, was once a staunch atheist.

Anyway, I couldn't let this thread go without saying my piece. I believe God wanted you to hear it. And you may hear it, if not today, someday. May it echo in your ears till the conviction of God's Holy Spirit pricks your heart.

Peace.

lancaster:

please i will like to know the cost implication for going to the uk,

flight and anyother cost i will enquire in other to get a visa

That's quite a wide query there, bro. It depends on many things, such as what type of visa you're applying for, what airline you fly, where in the UK you intend to go (e.g. London = expensive vs. Dundee = cheaper), where you expect to be housed, etc!

scopusng:

yes, i am based in Nigeria. Thanks.

Just to elaborate on what I believe justwise and ceasyc are already saying, you should have a "court wedding" and therefore obtain a current marriage certificate to sort everything out.  No need to backdate anything; the fact that you have been married traditionally years earlier won't/shouldn't work against you.

concrete:

another question:

though i'm a british citizen, i'm not settled there (though the intention is to do so). anyhoo, i don't have a national insurance card/# (though i'll request for one upon my arrival there)

looking through the application that my hubby has to fill out, i'm seeing that this is something they're requesting for. i was told that it wasn't necessary for me to have in order to sponsor my hubby. can anyone confirm this for me? that holding the passport was enough

I don't think you need an NI number to proceed with your application. As far as I'm aware, you've been informed correctly, that the passport is sufficient. If you leave the NI field blank you'll probably find that it's okay. After all, you can't be expected to have an NI number if you've lived all/most of your life outside the UK!

Souled:

Hello,

I have a somewhat similar ques to the one above, how would a bizman prove his income, the money that goes thru his personal account isnt like a salaried one, where the visa oficial can cancel out payslip payments from the account statements.

Any advise on how to put the across in the application?

sarnneth:

Ma ppl abeg. I want to renew my visa and my husband will do a fresh application at d same time. He is a biz man. Pls which documents does he need to submit to show proof of biz. Den his biz has been run through his savigs acct n not biz acct. Is dat an issue?

It would help for him to submit business registration documents confirming the business owner's name, and when the business started trading. Supplementary information like invoices and receipts would be helpful as well. I don't think the savings account issue will be a problem, as long as he can show a clear documentary link between the money flowing in and out of the account and the business he is running. (For example, an invoice made out to the registered business name, for the same amount which is debited from his account.)

Evidence of trading can be shown by receipts, invoices, contracts, bank statements, etc. Just ensure that a logical thread runs through the documents. Example of what NOT to do: submit bank statement in company's name, attaching no proof of how/why you are entitled to spend from the account for private purposes.

You might find this link helpful: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/supportingdocsvisituk

I love bananas! Okay, I could go a few days without one but I just had to have my say

Yet another nail in the coffin of Nigeria's reputation. Just great.

(sigh) I keep going on about when I used to defend Naija at every turn, until I saw enough instances of fraud from my people and had to keep quiet. We truly have brought this shameful reputation on ourselves. I don't know why we do it, I don't know when we intend to stop, but I pray to God that things will change someday. I'm sorry if I sound jaded, but this topic really vexes me.

If you check the embassy websites of may countries, Nigeria is already in a high risk category along with Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq and similar countries! It's a real shame. Such an intelligent nation. Such a tragic misapplication of intelligence.

Allow me a second or two to weep.

Mine was the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos in 2003, it was for a student visa and as far as I recall I wasn't really nervous.  I had read up a lot about what I needed to present and I was quite confident that I was well prepared.  The interview went very smoothly; I can't remember the questions anymore, but I remember that a lot of my documents/supporting letters were only glanced at.  I do remember the feeling of elation when I was told to return for my visa at noon that day.  I stepped out of the BDHC grinning, knowing that my flight was only a few days away!  I have obtained a few visas since then, and attended a couple more visa interviews.  I'm now "permanently" settled with my family in the UK.

Getting a visa is a big deal in many parts of the world, especially those which don't enjoy a visa waiver to many (or any) other nations.  No shame in celebrating, I say!

Nice thread, and nice to read the recollections of others! I love Nairaland!

big_bumper:


Hmmm, akiika, where did you get this from? Is it not the same Immigration law applicable to all regardless of whether you are applying from the moon

This is the law (more accurately, it was the law las time I checked)! I'm referring to section 85(5) of the Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act of 2002. According to that section, in Entry Clearance cases, i.e. cases outside the UK, evidence is limited to matters arising before and on the date of the decision. I should add that the fresh documents which shed light on circumstances existing on or before the date of decision, they would likely be considered.

I don't want to go off on a lecture about the topic, but if you want more background info I'd be more than happy to oblige.

EzeUche_:

I don't know about that. Libya seems to be quite peaceful at this moment. I am actually shocked that nothing is happening to that regime. Jordan surprised me, because King Abdullah II is one of the most progressive leaders in the region. But the people of Jordan wanted another Prime Minister.

Update -

Protest have gotten violent between Pro-Government supporters and Anti-Government supporters.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/02/egypt.protests/index.html?hpt=T1

Isn't it the progressive ones that are getting a kicking?  Or the pro-Western ones, should I say?  Tunisia . . . Egypt . . .  Jordan . . .  A BBC commentator earlier today said that this whole thing might serve as a lesson to the Arab states in general, that being seen to be strong and independent is better than being seen as a Western sympathiser.  My words, not theirs; their analysis, not mine. 

tlops:

are you suggesting marriage at first sight

ROTFL! Joker! 

How else do you hope to know anything about your proposed spouse if you don't court?  I take the point that you may still not end up knowing much until you're married, but at least give yourselves a good shot at it!

Marriage at first sight!  Oh dear . . .   

ahf:

A lot of people are of the opinion that all those staying in the UK and USA are enjoying the best life.

All those wishing for a visa waiver so they can run there, would be shocked to find out how tough it is there.

As one of those Nigerians resident in the UK, I can testify that it is indeed tough out here!  God has blessed me with a good job and a family, but in general it takes a lot to "make it", whatever that really means.

I really laughed at that comment though, that everyone will 'jar' from Nigeria, lol!  They probably would, too!  

I really wish things were better in Nigeria.  There would be no need for so many to seek greener pastures elsewhere if only we could harness the fantastic resources at home.  Ask why I'm not there to make things better?  There's a long and well-thought out answer to that, but I won't bore you with it unless you really want to know!    

Is he not a human being too? Do you know if he's on his lunch break?

Hi there,

I'm just interested in the reaction of the group to the UK government indications that the Tier 1 Post Study Work visa will be scrapped. If indeed this goes ahead, will you still be interested in coming to study in the UK?

I guess my question is, does travel to the UK for study purposes seem worth the hefty expense, if the possibility of working in the UK after your studies have been completed is slim?

I'm wondering if a UK degree is still much valued at home, beyond the opportunity it brings to settle outside the country. Thanks in advance for your candid views!

ebonie:

I got the tier 1 visa this January after applying last December.

would like to find out the latest time i and my dependants have to enter the uk. The visa is from 1st February .
(Someone i spoke with said i must enter the uk withing 3 months of getting the visa while another said 6 months)

As far as I'm aware, there's no firm deadline for travelling to the UK after your Tier 1 visa has been granted. However, the longer you leave it, the more you're leaving yourself open to excessive questioning at the UK port of entry. Also you may have to extend your visa more than once to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain. I wouldn't be too concerned about the last point, as the rules regarding ILR will likely change in the lifetime of this UK Parliament anyway.

People, people, please stop this talk.  I'm still waiting to wake up from this dream.  I really feel like I've stepped into a parallel universe here!  I've been repeating it for days! Buhari and Bakare.  Wonders will never cease.

After having gone through a few: IE, Firefox, Safari and Chrome, I tend to prefer Chrome these days, primarily because it's very fast! Firefox was my favourite for ages, but not so much now.

Please now, eh, biko, don't disgrace us like this,

Advantage: The parents might be wiser than the children and use their age and experience to good effect in picking a good match for their child, not just based on looks but on family background, observed character, compatibility, etc.

Disadvantage: There may be no love between the couple. Yes, they may grow to love each other, but what if it doesn't happen? Eeek!

I watched Tron Legacy in 3D on Saturday and it was fabulous! I took the time to watch the first Tron (from 1982) in the morning before heading off to the cinema that evening. While you can definitely enjoy the movie without having seen the first one, the background made Tron 3D more special for me. In my opinion, it's a much better movie than the original, and that's not just because of the vastly improved special effects! Much recommended to sci-fi fans.

I just saw this today, about the choice of Henry Cavill. I too was hoping Brandon Routh would return. Ah well, I didn't mind Superman Returns too much, though I thought there was far too much written in as a homage to Superman I & II (with Christopher Reeves). I thought Spacey did well as Lex, and even the son thing didn't phase me too much. I guess I'm a core Superman movie fan. (I don't do comics).

Bring on the next one,

@Ogbechie77, I don't know if you're still monitoring this thread, but here goes anyway. I'm sorry to hear of your visa refusal. What happened is that, because your initial application was made outside the UK, the rules do not allow you to submit fresh documentation for consideration at the appeal. The immigration judge must make up his mind based on the information that was available to the Entry Clearance Officer at the time the initial decision was taken. Any subsequent information submitted will be disregarded.

Sometimes it is better to submit a fresh application than to appeal. This is especially true when key documents were missing from the original application.

For the record, it is possible to submit fresh documents for an in-country appeal (i.e. one submitted in response to a refusal within the UK, and this will be considered, if relevant).

Don't be too worried about the effect of this refusal on your proposed student visa application. As an earlier poster said, each application will be judged on its merits. It's not as if you submitted anything fraudulent. Just bear in mind that you might have to put some emphasis on proving what you have to return to in Nigeria at the end of your studies, i.e. your ties to your home country. Bearing in mind the upcoming changes in the UK to student visas and the post study work category, I suspect that greater emphasis will soon be placed on proving your intention to return to your country after your studies.

justwise:

You can't apply for visa without an invitation letter from the pple organising the workshop, you need to show proof that u are going for workshop, its not about saying it but hard evidence.

Quite right, you'll need to apply for a business visit visa. You'll fall under the category of a religious worker attending a conference. For business visas you need to have a covering letter from the organisation sending you (i.e. your church), as well as an invitation letter from the organisation receiving you (i.e. the conference/workshop organisers). Without this, don't bother making the application as you will more than likely be denied.

You should also include evidence that will suggest you have something to come back to Nigeria for (e.g. proof of employment, land ownership, family, sizeable bank account, etc). Obviously you don't have to have everything on the list, but the more ties you have to your country, the more comfortable an immigration officer will be in granting you a visiting visa. I hope you find this helpful!

You're good to travel with your visa, former. It would be a good idea to have admission-related documents handy (in hand luggage) and to be well prepared to answer questions regarding your course. (Where you will study, what you will study, how long it'll be for, etc). Good luck!

This still hasn't sunk in for me yet!  I wouldn't  have dreamt it in a thousand years!  I had no idea that Bakare had political intentions.   In time we will see where this all ends,

I hang my head in shame. My people are at it again. I remember when I used to vehemently defend the honour of our country, and the reputation that we are fraudsters. Time and time again my people have given ammunition to our detractors to make fun of us. Allow me, please, to just say: chei!