In 2021, “Japa” — the Yoruba word for “to flee” — became a household term for Nigeria’s mass migration wave. It embodied the dreams of thousands of young professionals, families, and students seeking greener pastures abroad. But four years later, in 2025, the once-glorified escape route is facing growing turbulence.
From stricter immigration policies in the UK and Canada to rising living costs in the diaspora, a growing number of Nigerians are rethinking — or even reversing — their decision to leave.
“I went to the UK in 2022 to study and hoped to stay,” says Ngozi Uzo, a 32-year-old nurse who recently returned to Lagos.
“But by 2024, the rules had changed. My husband couldn’t join me. I worked long shifts, couldn’t save, and the loneliness was crushing.”
The Crackdowns No One Saw Coming
The United Kingdom, once a top destination for Nigerian migrants, has tightened its policies significantly. In May 2024, it banned most international students — especially from Africa — from bringing dependents. By early 2025, the UK government further raised income thresholds for work visa renewals and introduced stricter post-study visa conditions.
Similarly, Canada, which welcomed over 22,000 Nigerian students in 2023 alone, introduced caps on international student admissions and made its Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) harder to access, particularly for students at private institutions.
“I had plans to move permanently after my master’s in Ontario,” says Tunde Adedayo, a software developer.
“But now I can’t qualify for permanent residency under the new Express Entry cut-off. I’ve spent over ₦20 million, and I might have to return home.”
These abrupt shifts have shaken the dreams of many who saw migration as a one-way ticket to stability.
The Diaspora Reality Check
Beyond immigration hurdles, life abroad has become less rosy than Instagram posts suggest. In the UK and Canada, rent has soared, job competition is fierce, and healthcare and childcare access is increasingly strained.
“You hustle in snow, pay 40–50% of your income on rent, and still have to deal with racism or underemployment,” says Femi Kolawole, a Lagos-based techie who returned from Vancouver in March 2025.
“Honestly, if you’re not in a high-demand profession or backed by strong savings, Japa will humble you.”
A 2025 diaspora survey by Global Africans Network revealed that 1 in 4 Nigerian migrants under 35 feel economically worse off than they were in Nigeria.
Is Staying the New Smart Move?
Despite these challenges, migration is not entirely losing its appeal. For healthcare workers, tech professionals, and researchers, pathways still exist — especially through direct skilled worker programs. However, the bar is much higher, and the cost of entry steeper.
At the same time, more young Nigerians are beginning to explore domestic opportunities: remote work, digital entrepreneurship, and tech training programs with global reach.
“Instead of spending millions on school abroad, I invested in a cloud computing course and landed a remote job with a Dutch firm,” says Oluwabunmi Ajayi, a 28-year-old engineer in Ibadan.
“Now I earn in euros and live at home. It’s not easy, but it’s possible.”
Returnees, Regret, and Redemption
While some returnees express regret, others see their journeys as eye-opening and even empowering.
“I don’t regret going. It taught me structure, resilience, and global exposure,” says Ngozi Uzo.
“But if you’re not prepared — mentally, financially, and professionally — Japa can break you.”
Experts now warn that migration decisions must be approached with full clarity — not as an escape, but as a strategic life move.
“It’s no longer enough to simply want to leave,” says Dr. Bamidele Oyeniyi, a migration analyst.
“You must ask: Do I have the right skill set? A long-term plan? The mental readiness? If not, stay and build capacity.”
Japa is not dead, but it has evolved. In 2025, leaving Nigeria is no longer just a trend — it’s a gamble. And for many, the smarter move may not be across borders, but across mindset: from escape to empowerment.
