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As Nigeria’s “Japa” trend continues to surge, many Nigerians and other nationals are seeking better opportunities abroad, with countries like Canada and the UK responding with significant policy changes to manage the growing rate.
In Canada, authorities recently canceled the 10-year multiple-entry visa, a popular option among Nigerians seeking to travel freely in and out of the country.
The update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that multiple-entry visas are no longer the “standard document” for entry, citing an overwhelming population increase largely driven by immigrants fleeing economic instability and security concerns in countries like Nigeria.
To address this surge, Canada has also reduced its permanent resident target for 2025 from 500,000 to 395,000, with further cuts planned for the following years.
Meanwhile, the UK, grappling with a similar immigration surge, introduced new policies in December 2023 aimed specifically at international students.
These changes restrict students from bringing dependents unless they are enrolled in postgraduate research courses or government-funded scholarship programs. This shift in policy comes as the UK government seeks to manage the number of foreign nationals arriving, particularly from countries like Nigeria, where many students and skilled workers have been seeking new opportunities amidst economic challenges at home especially here in Nigeria
Both Canada and the UK are tightening immigration controls in response to the growing wave of migrants, as countries that once welcomed a lot of people now adjust their policies to address the challenges posed by rapid population growth and increased demand for resources.
