The reasons for Nigerians to immigrate are often opportunities for further development, employment prospects and a bright future. Find out more about why Nigerians immigrate to Europe

According to a recent survey by Phillips Consulting, more than half (52%) of Nigerian professionals are considering leaving their current job and moving abroad within a year. The majority prefers migration to European countries, in particular to Great Britain, Italy and Germany.

What motivates Nigerians to immigrate? Read on.

Read how to learn a new language before moving abroad here.

How many people move from Nigeria to Europe?

The number of international migrants from Nigeria has increased from approximately 450,000 in 1990 to 1.4 million in 2019. However, the share of international migrants from Nigeria in relation to the total population is 0.7%. This is much less than in Africa as a whole - 2.5% and in the world - 3.5%.

Of the total number of migrants, 31% of people move to Europe. According to the EU's asylum agency, Nigerians submitted almost 2,000 applications for asylum in the EU in May.

Why are people migrating to Europe from Nigeria?

The rising cost of living affects Nigerians' financial situation and labor productivity. The Nigerian economy has many problems, including unemployment, a weak currency and insecurity. The situation was also exacerbated by the high cost of living.

By 2030, more than 110 million people in Nigeria are expected to live in poverty. Emigration is becoming inevitable as oil prices continue to fall and youth unemployment rises rapidly.

Lack of security can also be attributed to the main factors. Criminal gangs are kidnapping people for ransom in the northern and central states, jihadist groups are waging an insurgency in the northeast, and separatist groups are regularly disrupting life in the southeast.

In addition, widespread bribery deters many potential entrepreneurs. According to Transparency International's latest Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranked 154 out of 180.

Migration is so common that Nigerians even have a special word for leaving the country due to economic hardship: "yapa." Translated from the Yoruba language, it means "escape", which has become synonymous with seeking a better life abroad.

How to prepare for the move? Learn about the top 5 most important factors for a successful migration here.

Representatives of which professions are more likely to migrate from Nigeria?

The majority of workers considering moving abroad are in finance and insurance, education, healthcare and IT. In general, these are mainly highly qualified personnel and young people. The outflow of specialists may contribute to the worsening of the economic crisis in the country.

Racism, exploitation and violence

According to the European Union Agency for Asylum, there are regular reports of discrimination, exploitation and violence against Nigerian migrants. Most crimes occur in Italy. Also, thousands of Nigerian women who arrive in Europe with the help of smugglers are forced to engage in prostitution.

In order to protect yourself and having the right to legal residence in EU countries, it is necessary to issue the appropriate documents before departure.

Consulting an immigration lawyer will help you understand the visa requirements of European countries and guide the expat on the main legal ways to move from Nigeria.

We will remind you that we previously talked about the specifics of employment and the best EU countries for immigration from Nigeria. Read here how a Nigerian can get a work visa in the EU.

Take care of security during the move - reliable health insurance will protect you from unnecessary expenses and help you avoid problems during the move. You can apply via the link.

Photo: Freepik

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Medical insurance all over the world;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues (to receive the service, select the country of interest and citizenship).

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