Before You Emigrate

Wole Osinupebi

It’s the season of emigration in Nigeria. Young people and the not-so-young believe economic migration will solve the challenges they face living here. And indeed, there are challenges. What is usually not factored into the plans is the fact that wherever one goes has its own issues. And this varies from place to place. Unemployment and underemployment are rife in Nigeria. Electricity, potable water supply, transportation and security are of poor quality or non-existent. Even when one has a job, the pay is low and prospects for growth opaque. Going abroad therefore seems a viable option because it appears people are paid very well and all the comforts of life are accessible and in abundant supply.

The first thing to note are the environmental challenges, culture and weather. Many Nigerians are stumped by racism, where you’re hated and treated badly simply because of the colour of your skin. It’s something most of us in this part of the world have no experience with. Of course, there’s racism in Nigeria. Nigerians are treated badly by fair (and not so fair) skinned immigrants in Nigeria, but usually take it in their stride. The bad behaviour is attributed to mental challenges with the perpetrator. This is probably why Nigerians don’t react badly to racist behaviour. However, in Europe and America, racism is not necessarily overt, but it’s there. So, expect it. Language is another cultural issue. It’s amazing to discover that English spoken in English speaking countries like the USA, Canada and the UK is not the English we speak. It takes some time before you begin to ‘hear’ them. Then, they have idioms and turns of phrase which are related again to culture. After culture is weather. Most of us are surprised at how cold it can get in the Northern hemisphere. Note that it get’s really cold in South Africa and East Africa too. But never like Europe and America. It never goes below 22degC in West Africa except perhaps in elevated places like Mambilla or Obudu in Nigeria. After leaving Nigeria, some of our people have had to come back because they couldn’t handle the cold.

Cost of living is usually a surprise because it’s at a scale far higher than here. Transportation by bus and train in the UK is very expensive compared to Nigeria. A three hour train ride could cost over a 100 pounds if you don’t book well in advance. You will pay over a 1000 pounds for a tiny flat of 1.5 rooms. Electricity costs are not cheap and taxes cannot be dodged. If income does not exceed expenditure by some margin, life becomes intolerable. And it’s difficult to get a decent income when one is an undocumented immigrant.

And then there are legal issues. Children cannot be reprimanded in a hard way, neither is corporal punishment acceptable, it is considered to be abuse. And it could become a matter for the government welfare department. Wives could request that their husbands leave the home under an accusation of potential violent behaviour. The police will enforce this request when invited. There are good reasons for these stipulations, but they are also open to manipulation, and in the hands of an immoral people, weaponized and used as part of the ammunition in marital disputes. Here in Nigeria the balance of power in marriage tilts to the advantage of men, across the Atlantic, this is reversed. Without considering this shift men continue in the way of their ancestors in the Northern Hemisphere with painful outcomes.

On food. It is interesting to see Nigerians and other Africans trying to replicate food they ate at home in their new places of abode. When travelling back after some time at their native homes, bags are filled with food and condiments. This is because food is cultural, and habits extremely difficult to change. Since most Nigerian meals are full of spices and peppers, adjusting to bland food is tortuous. After going without home food for a while, it seems like one has not eaten for a long while. In effect there’s a psychological sensation of starvation even though it’s not real, mounting further pressure on mental health and the feeling of well-being.

There are however advantages. The major benefits of living in the West and the developed world in general are the functioning infrastructure such as electricity, potable water, roads and then schools, healthcare and an atmosphere of security. There’s also a feeling that even if one has a relatively rough time, the children would do better. So, because of the perceived advantages, many will sell all their possessions, even borrow money in order to move to Europe/America. Depending on the visa requirements of the targeted country, intending emigrants arrange themselves to fit. It’s either you gain admission for a course that will allow you bring spouse and children, or get qualifications for an on-demand profession. Unfortunately, the target nations keep adjusting their requirements as the initial gentle trickle of immigration became a massive influx. The authorities in the targeted  countries restrict the admission of certain skin colours, usually brown and black. Not because they no longer need those skills but for political reasons. And also, the increased pressure on accommodation and services. Provision for schoolrooms, houses and healthcare are usually planned 10-20yrs in advance in developed countries, and is based on projected population growth. An influx of immigrants with their children over a short period adjusts existing projections and budgets upwards. This also impacts politics and elections.

Then, getting a job doesn’t come easily. You will need to find out what works in your new environment. Just as the immigration process requires careful study and application, the employment requirements also. Same applies for those who prefer self-employment. It may be a good idea to understand the process of getting transcripts from your school before you leave Nigeria. Be prepared to do volunteer work in your new country if paying jobs don’t come quickly. This is so you have some track record of work in your new environment in your resume. Some people get recruitment consultants to guide them especially to rework their resume. This may cost money.

Do note that getting a decent job without proper immigration documents is a mirage. And there are immigration document scams. Once abroad, you will discover that there are crooks everywhere, and not only in Nigeria. And without documents you’re as vulnerable as a new born baby. On top of this the police does not care for you since they see you as a criminal too.

Overall, emigration is not new to mankind. Men have been moving from place to place for a very long time. But it’s useful to note that each country is different and requires adjustments. Some changes are obvious and adjustments easy. Some are more complex and adjustments will have to be learnt. But learn you must, or you’ll be miserable. And of course, home remains home if abroad is not working.

Osinupebi wrote from Lagos.