…As Canada Confirms Surge In Emigration Applications
By Shakirudeen Bankole
Strong indications emerged that there has been a surge in the number of Nigerian youths, seeking greener pastures abroad, days after the #EndSARS campaign and its fallouts.
According to findings by The New Diplomat, the most recently visited embassies by Nigerians are Canada, America, United Kingdom, and some Middle Eastern countries like Turkey, Israel and South Arabia.
The reasons for the exponential increase in visa application by Nigerians, according to responders include continued hopelessness on equitable social justice, poverty, insecurity, and low commitment to improving the country’s education.
One of the applicants, Nofisat Adeoye, who has applied twice unsuccessfully to America, said she applied to Canada this year for a Study Visa but was denied.
According to her, “I have done all that was required of me, including the payment of my school fees, because I was actually going to study for my Masters. I have been admitted, paid for registration and accommodation. I have also done my medical and came out clean, only to receive a notice of denial for my application,” she told this reporter, vowing that she would not relent in her quest.
Another affected Nigerian is Kehinde Awoyemi, a 30-year-old married woman and mother of two, who has been trying to go and meet her husband in the United States. She also expressed frustration over her endless denials.
“I have been denied American visa like three times now,” she told this reporter, with balls of tears gathering around her eyelids.
“It is been very traumatising for me, parenting two kids all by myself,” she said, wishing America could be more compassionate to grant her request.
Meanwhile, in what appears to be a validation of the observed surge in migration status of Nigerians to Canada, the Canadian Embassy has issued a caveat on its asylum Pre-qualification criteria.
The High Commission, via its tweeter handle, @CanHCNigeria, confirmed that “great interest in Canadian immigration programs” was received lately.”
Titled, ‘A message from the Government of Canada’, the foreign mission explained that, “Canadian Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, Consulates-General or Honorary Consulates do not accept refugee applications directly from people, but it’s Immigration Officers.
According to the statement, “Canada works with the United Nations Refugee Agency, other designated referral organizations and private sponsors to identify individuals in need of resettlement, and who are outside their home country.
“You cannot apply directly for resettlement. You must be referred to Canada by a designated referral organization or a private sponsor.
“No one can guarantee that your immigration application will be fast-tracked or approved. Only a Canadian migration officer can decide if you can come to Canada.
“All the information you need to apply to visit or immigrate to Canada is available free on the official Government of Canada website.”
Aftermath of the #EndSARS protest, The New Diplomat had reported that a Nigerian entertainer, Obianuju Catherine Udeh better known as DJ Switch was reported to have left Nigeria, following reports of threats to her life.
Recall she filmed the shooting of EndSARS protesters live on her Instagram account, exposing how the soldiers stormed the Lekki Toll Plaza during the now infamous incident.
There were news reports that she addressed the Canadian parliament where she told the Parliament that she counted no less than seven persons shot, adding that one of the soldiers threatened to shoot her
In her submission, she also added that the first gunshot was heard from behind, adding that it was chaotic situation as people were running in different directions to avoid being hit by bullets.
