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They say the grass is always greener on the other side, but for some Nigerians chasing opportunity abroad, that grass can feel like quicksand. Trying to settle as an immigrant can be challenging, especially when your visa is nearing its end, and you have no plan B.
When Amos moved to the UK in 2023 with his wife and toddler, he thought life was about to get better. Little did he know that three years down the line, he would be faced with debt and a marriage on the brink of collapsing. Everything was going fine until it wasn’t. Now, he is trapped between two difficult choices: go back to Nigeria with nothing to show for his sacrifice, or stay in the UK and continue fighting a system that keeps on taking without giving back.
What made you decide to leave your life in Nigeria for the UK?
Like many others who have left and are still planning to leave, I wanted a better life and a system that works. I had a good job in Nigeria. I worked in the banking industry and earned well. My wife and I had been talking about relocating. We looked at different countries, and the UK student route appeared the easiest. So, I applied to two schools and was admitted to the University of Northampton to study project management.
What was the first year like?
It was exciting to be in a new country. Everything felt different, especially the weather. Over time, we started figuring out the system and how things work. Finding a job was a bit challenging because I could not work more than 20 hours per week under my student visa. My wife found work, but we also had to consider our toddler. It’s unlike Nigeria, where you have a support system. Here, everyone minds their business, and childcare is not cheap. We also learned the “fake smile.” Here, they smile at you, but you can see it’s not from the heart.
After your graduation, did things fall into place?
After my Master’s, I applied for the Post-Study Work visa (PSW). I believed that before the two years elapsed, I would have found a job that could sponsor me. I was applying everywhere. I went for interviews and was getting rejections. I could not secure a decent job. I kept searching, and nothing was coming. This was beginning to affect my marriage as I could not contribute much to bills and other expenses. My PSW was counting down, but I remained hopeful.
When did the panic set in?
One of the jobs I applied to promised sponsorship. When I received the email that I got the job, I was so happy. I celebrated with my wife, and we thanked God that things were finally looking good. But life had other plans. About a week later, I got another email from the organisation saying they could no longer sponsor. According to them, the Home Office said the job role could sponsor, but the role’s responsibilities could not. It was all so confusing as I had never heard such before. That was when the panic set in, because I had about three months left on my PSW. I could not sleep. I kept thinking what’s next? What happens if I do not have something by this date? Where do we go? The atmosphere at home changed. I became desperate and started looking everywhere for a solution.
Is that when you were introduced to the person who promised you a CoS?
Yes. Someone linked me to someone who claimed he could get me a job with sponsorship. He told me I had to pay, and it wasn’t cheap. I had heard stories of people getting scammed, but at that point, I was desperate. I gathered the little I had and borrowed the rest. My wife warned me against it, but I refused to listen.
After some weeks, I received an offer letter with a Certificate of Sponsorship. I was relieved, thinking my problems were over. I was ready to apply for my visa immediately, but I had second thoughts. The amount they were promising to pay looked too good to be true. So, I contacted the CoS guy and asked whether the company could pay that amount, since it was huge. I didn’t want to be put in a situation where I would have to pay tax out of my own pocket. That was where the problem started. He told me to hold on and not put in my application, saying he would find another job for me. It became a back-and-forth issue. I would call and send messages, but he would not respond. When he finally responds, it’s one excuse or the other.
Did you report him?
To who? These people know the victims are powerless. You can not go to the police, as that would mean drawing attention to your immigration status, and you might just make your situation worse.
How has this affected your family?
My wife has been very supportive, but this whole situation is causing a rift. She is angry because she warned me. Everything we have worked for is gone, and we are in debt. There is too much tension right now.
What options are you considering now?
Honestly, I do not know at this moment. I still have a few weeks left. I am exploring every legal option, but that costs money I have already spent. I cannot go back to Nigeria, as I have nothing to fall back on. I am just praying for a miracle.
If you could speak to someone planning to japa, what would you tell them?
Do not assume the UK will automatically give you a better life. Have a plan and backup plans. The UK will test you in ways you never imagined. When you think things are looking up, they will shift the goalpost. I have watched this country tighten its rules every year since I arrived. The system is designed to keep collecting from you, your money, your years, and giving nothing back. It feels like it is designed for you not to get rich, just hustle, spend, and leave.
It’s exhausting, but at the same time, I can not give up now. Sometimes I wake up and ask myself, Is this worth it? Should I just go back home and start from scratch? But then again, it’s not over until it is over.
