My name is Ferdinand, and this is my Japa Story since moving to the United Kingdom. I have been here for a year, and I have quite a lot to share about how I got here and how it has been since moving.
While there is much to say, I will keep my story brief, hoping it helps someone in the end.
I left Nigeria in 2024
I left Nigeria for the UK in 2024, and since then, I have been living and working here. While in Nigeria, I worked with an NGO. This was what later paved the way for me to leave the country, taking the International Volunteering route.
The process I followed to japa was pretty much straightforward. I applied online for the job, and then attended an interview. This turned out successfully.
With that in hand, I applied for the VISA, attended biometric capture, and then an interview.
I spent a whole lot of money to get here
Before you can move to the UK, you will need to have so much money, unless you are being sponsored. The money needed may run into over 10 million Naira. This is most especially because of the value of the Naira against the dollar.
In my case, I spent all of my life savings, and had to get some more funds in the form of debt.
The stress of living in the United Kingdom
Living in the UK was not easy at first since I was a volunteer with no right to work. There have been many ups and downs, but it gets better with time.
For someone who is coming through other means, you will also face certain challenges, but one thing I have learnt from my short stay here is that it will get better with time.
See Also: My Japa Story: My Life Since Moving To The UK
The UK is friendly to immigrants
Generally, I find the UK to be friendly to immigrants from Nigeria and other places around the world. I was lucky to connect with the Nigerian community in Kent. They’ve been really helpful.
Will I return to Nigeria?
Yes, I will return to Nigeria in due time. There is still much I have to contribute and accomplish at home, and so, I will definitely return when the time is right.
