The japa wave for Nigerians seems to be getting some pushback recently in the form of visa bans, visa restrictions and even deportations.
While these actions won’t stop Nigerians from making their japa plans, it’s important to flag some countries you should probably cross off your destination lists. These countries are either historically hostile to Nigerians with inhumane treatments or have shown us shege in recent times.
Consider this a travel advisory.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) used to be the go-to spot for premium enjoyment for Nigerians, but they appear to be sick of hosting Nigerians these days. On October 21, 2022, the UAE banned Nigerians from applying for visas and even canceled already submitted applications without refunding applicants.
When a Nigerian raised alarm about the maltreatment of other Nigerians trying to enter the country in August 2022, the UAE jailed her for violating a cybercrime law.
No one really knows UAE’s reasons for the visa ban so it’s best for Nigerians to find another vacation hotspot.
ALSO READ: Why Nigeria’s Relationship With the UAE Is Hitting the Rocks
Libya
In 2018, the United Nations (UN) released a report that detailed the horrors Nigerians face in Libya — ranging from unlawful killings to gang rape, arbitrary detention, torture, unpaid wages, slavery, human trafficking, racism, and xenophobia.
Between April 2017 and February 2022, 19,452 Nigerians voluntarily returned home from Libya. So if anyone ever suggests Libya as a japa option, run, please.
Indonesia
In March 2022, Nigeria’s House of Representatives moved to address the violation of the human rights of Nigerians in Indonesia after Arinze Igweike died in the custody of immigration officials. The officials arrested him with two other Nigerians and brutalized them until he died.
In August 2021, Indonesian officials were filmed assaulting Abdulrahman Ibrahim, a Nigerian consular officer based in Jakarta. In the film, they held him down inside a vehicle while he begged for air as he couldn’t breathe. Indonesia apologised for the maltreatment but the incident put the spotlight on how the treatment of Nigerians in Indonesia could be better.
South Africa
In September 2020, thousands of South Africans marched on the streets with plaques and banners, demanding that Nigerians and other foreigners leave their country.
The protesters claimed foreigners are taking away their jobs and committing crimes — the same narratives used to attack foreigners in the past.
[Image source: Ewn]
In August 2022, the Nigerian High Commission to South Africa warned Nigerians of imminent attacks on foreign nationals due to the recent utterances of a group, ‘’Operation Dudula”. As a Nigerian, to live in South Africa is to always dread the next wave of xenophobia.
India
The reality of what’s happening to Nigerians in India isn’t always the song and dance you see in Bollywood movies. In 2021, a Nigerian activist in New Delhi shared how Nigerians were victims of inhuman treatment — ranging from illegal experimentation for COVID-19 vaccines to the death of a 43-year-old Nigerian, Leohand Lyeanyi after a police officer allegedly assaulted him.
In October 2022, 60 Nigerian students fled Genoka University after Indian students beat and abused them on the football field and in their hostel.
Northern Cyprus
The Nigerian government has flagged Northern Cyprus many times as hostile to Nigerians. At least 100 Nigerian students studying there died under questionable circumstances between 2016 and 2020 but nothing has been done to address their cases.
What’s worse about Northern Cyprus is it’s not a country recognized by anyone in the world other than Turkey. This means the Nigerian government can’t have direct diplomatic engagements with them to help Nigerians when they run into trouble there.
The government’s message is clear: whatever happens in Northern Cyprus, you’re on your own.
Do you know of any more countries we missed that should be red flags for Nigerians? Let us know.
ALSO READ: Why You Should (Probably) Remove Northern Cyprus From Your Japa List
