Once they eventually get their migration plans aligned, it is only the first step for young Nigerians seeking a better life abroad. Particularly those who have tried to settle in Canada. After making the ‘Japa’ leap, it has felt like the stress they were initially trying to get away from leaving Nigeria has followed them to the public shelters in North America.

A warning has come from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to prevent more desperate outcomes from happening. The chairman of the foreign affairs agency Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has been to Canada where lots of immigrants have been found in the city of Brampton in Ontario. They are reportedly in difficult living conditions mostly due to improper documentation when processing their relocation.

The Nigerians affected by this can’t find jobs or accommodation, so they live in public shelters and receive hand-downs from charities. This is not sustainable, a reason for NiDCOM sounding the alarm bells in a press release shared on Thursday, 23 November. It is letting it out to any Nigerian who wants to make an imminent switch not to leave loose ends.

ALSO READ: UK’s leash on japa from Nigeria halts dreams of migrating

According to the release, Hon Dabiri-Erewa “sympathised with their condition and urged others planning to travel without proper documentation, arrive [Canada] to seek asylum, to desist, as the situation is getting tougher in many countries, adding that – it is just not worth it, more often than not.” If this creates a rethink among future migrants, it remains to be seen.

PRESS RELEASE

CANADA: AVOID IRREGULAR MIGRATION, IT IS NOT WORTH IT- DABIRI-EREWA*

ABUJA: NOV. 23, 2023.

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NiDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians travelling abroad to go legitimately, and with proper… pic.twitter.com/YCnjbIjHhg

— Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) November 23, 2023

For now, it appears those Nigerians who initially thought they were starting a new life in Canada have been served some sort of regret because it looks like their situation got worse upon entering a new country.

Others made sure they had their documents in order before travelling. They were able to prove their reason for relocating, which oftentimes is stated as post-graduate studies. Once they have been accepted into the rhythmic system of their newly found home, It is off to keep up with the high bills yet it has not dampened the thirst to japa in droves from Nigeria.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.