For years, the dream of Japa—a Yoruba word meaning to flee or flee abroad—symbolized hope for countless Nigerians. Moving to Canada or the UK promised higher earnings, better living conditions, and escape from systemic challenges at home. But recent shifts—both subtle and stark—are dramatically closing the doors many believed were open.

Indeed, what once felt like an attainable escape has turned into a gauntlet: more obstacles, fewer guarantees, increasing costs, and policy changes that favor locals. In this article, we unpack five major reasons why Canada and the UK are hiring far fewer Nigerians now. We also explore implications, practical advice, and what this means for the future. 

1. Economic Recession & Tightening Immigration Policies

a. Economic Troubles at Home & Abroad

Both Canada and the UK are grappling with inflation, housing crises, energy price increases, and slowing growth. Governments under pressure from their citizens are looking inward—prioritizing jobs for their own nationals and reducing the net immigration levels.

Key Policy Shifts:

• Skilled Worker Visa thresholds increased: The minimum salary required for many skilled worker visas has risen sharply—making it harder for Nigerian applicants to meet points or income requirements.

• Restrictions on dependents: Some student visa holders or other categories can no longer bring dependents (spouses, children), which reduces the attractiveness of relocating.

• Quotas & caps: Both governments have introduced or expanded caps on certain visa categories.

These changes reflect economic realities in host countries. When domestic employment rates dip or when xenophobic backlash intensifies, policy shifts often follow.

2. Market Saturation in Traditional “Japa” Fields

Historically, sectors like healthcare, IT/tech, engineering, finance, and certain specialized trades were seen as reliable paths to overseas migration.

What’s Changed:

• Too many applicants for the same roles: Local graduates in host countries plus foreign applicants (from many countries, not just Nigeria) are competing in saturated markets.

• Changing demand: Some fields once in high demand are now seeing reduced needs. For example, health systems or tech companies may hire locally first or demand special certifications.

• Credential recognition issues: Degrees or licenses from Nigerian or African institutions sometimes don’t transfer well, meaning further certification, exams, or experience are required, which come at cost and time.

3. Public Pressure & Political Sentiment

Public opinion in Canada, the UK, and throughout Europe is shifting in many places toward cautious or even restrictive immigration attitudes.

• When economic turndowns hit, voters often blame immigrants or demand better protection of “local jobs.”

• Politicians respond by tightening immigration policy, slowing visa approvals, increasing salary thresholds, and requiring stronger proof of job offers.

These political dynamics impact not just policy but also employer confidence. Some employers become less willing to sponsor overseas hires due to delays, bureaucracy, or perceived risk.

4. Rising Costs & Financial Barriers

Even when visa routes are technically open, the real costs can kill the dream.

• Visa fees, biometric fees, application charges have increased.

• Relocation costs (flight, shipping goods, temporary accommodation) are high.

• Cost of living in Canada/UK is steep—housing, transportation, utilities, food—and many discover that the difference in income doesn’t always offset these costs, especially when accounting for remittances back home.

Also, currency fluctuations and inflation in Nigeria make saving for relocation harder.

5. Changes to Immigration Rules & Systemic Delays

Finally, many Nigerians are now facing more rigid requirements and longer processing times.

• More stringent documentation required: criminal record checks, proof of funds, health checks.

• Longer wait times for visa processing, interviews, or work permits.

• Policy changes announced with little notice, making planning difficult (students accept offers not knowing later that rules tightened).

Implications of the Shift

The result of these five reasons is that many Nigerians who had Japa on their mind are reconsidering. Here are some consequences:

1. Brain strain vs brain drain paradox: Some stay because migration is too difficult; others go via alternative, riskier pathways.

2. Increased interest in non-traditional destinations: Countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, or African nations with rising economies might become more popular.

3. More Nigerians investing in skills upgrading, credential recognition, or remote work instead of physical relocation.

4. Rise in “Japa regrets”: People who relocated earlier find costs or adjustment harder than expected.

What Nigerians Can Do: Practical Advice

If you still dream of going abroad, especially to Canada or the UK, here are ways to increase chances or consider alternatives:

• Focus on skill demand: Research which professions are currently in demand. Use official job portals, government immigration websites, and professional associations.

• Get credentials recognized early: If your profession requires licenses or certifications (healthcare, engineering, law), start the process before immigrating.

• Save strategically: Plan for all costs (visa, relocation, initial living) with buffer. Currency depreciation can eat up savings.

• Explore remote work & global freelancing: Many tech jobs, design, writing, customer service roles allow remote work. You can earn foreign income without moving physically.

• Consider alternative destinations: Countries like some Eastern European nations, Middle Eastern countries, or Asia may have more flexible immigration or lower cost of relocation.

• Stay updated: Government policies change fast. Follow official immigration websites, reliable news sources, and forums/schools that track changes. 

Conclusion

The Japa dream—once synonymous with opportunity, freedom, and a better life—faces some of its toughest tests yet. Rising costs, tightened immigration rules, market saturation, political pressure, and economic downturns in host countries are combining to make pathways to Canada or the UK less certain and more difficult.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the dream is fully dead. It means it has evolved. The path is steeper, demands more planning, more resources, and sometimes, more creativity. For those who still hold it, adapting to the new realities is no longer optional—it’s essential.