POWER SECTOR & BREXIT- HOW NIGERIANS CAN BENEFIT.

The lack of constant supply of electricity that has bedevilled Nigeria means well educated and skilled Nigerians may not be able to practise their profession fully for various reasons. Also, academics will not be able to carry out detailed research in the absence of stable power supply.

There is a window of opportunity to change all of that in view of the BREXIT crisis rocking the United Kingdom (UK) at the moment. For example, it may be possible for professionals, especially power system engineers, to seek employment or study in the UK. Other seasoned professionals in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields can benefit similarly.

The overall impact brings long-term benefits to both the UK and Nigeria under new immigration window that will be opened to Nigerians following the exit of Britain from the European Union popularly referred to as BREXIT.

What is this Brexit?

The UK is currently contemplating leaving the European Union. The process is termed “Britain Exit” out of EU, a.k.a BREXIT

It has become a controversial issue that has divided the country along tribal inclinations, political affiliations, family ties, and age brackets. It has so far seen the resignation of two British Prime Ministers.

The matter was put to the citizens in a referendum (peoples’ votes) in 2016 and the outcome was to leave the EU by 52 to 48% Votes. However, when the details of the hardship that may occur became apparent to the citizens, the British Parliament (apart from most members of the conservative party pushing for it) decided to jettison the referendum results. This has led to the need for an early general election which was held on 12th December, 2019. The conservative party won the election with a clear majority, making Brexit more likely.

The outcome of Brexit will influence the immigration policy of the UK especially with regards to the need for en-masse immigration of Nigerians to help fill the skills gap that will happen Post-Brexit.

If Brexit happens, i.e, if Britain leaves the EU, so many EU citizens who are currently having professional careers in the UK will leave because of some of the terms of their future residency in the UK. This is envisaged to leave a skills shortage in the UK which I believe recruiting suitably qualified Nigerian professionals is one of the quickest ways to fill the gap as many Nigerians want to leave the country, including professionals and those who are well read. Since Ministers and Government officials have given their nod of approval to the exodus of qualified Nigerians for the purpose of seeking greener pastures previously, this is a “win-win” situation.

We have three schemes through which immigration into the UK is possible. These are the Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 4 schemes.

Tier 1

The Tier 1 migrant scheme is essentially for investors and entrepreneurs who want to bring their family members for settlement in the UK. In this category, there is a minimum financial threshold that applicants must possess to benefit from the scheme.

In addition, there is currently a plan by the UK government to attract the best brains into the UK economy under a program that has been proposed to the UK parliament. This particular scheme will be similar to the “Highly Skilled Migrant Programme” based on the Australian style points-based system where applicants can earn more and may not require an offer of employment from a prospective employer before coming to the UK. It will focus on professionals with backgrounds in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) areas and occupations with lower availability of manpower in the UK.

We help to procure UK work visas for parents with children”

We are helping anyone under the following professions to come with their families and work in the UK from April 2020 – the so called shortage occupational list.

Professionals to be considered include:

1. Teachers

2. Doctors

3. Nurses

4. Social Workers

5. Engineers

6. I.T experts including

Web designers

7. Chefs

Further details will be provided in the 2nd quarter of 2020.

Tier 2

In this scheme, we help applicants to secure employment in the UK and process their visas for migration. The consultancy services we provide will assist clients in securing their visas and guide them at every stage of the process.

Tier 4- A Study-to-Work Program

We also have a scheme in place to help qualified applicants who want to study in the UK to realize their dreams. We process undergraduate and post-graduate applications into reputable universities in the UK. With local knowledge, previous experience and physical presence, we don’t only help you into your desired institutions, we focus on getting you into universities in areas where living expenses are comparatively lower. This is very important for the management of your finances.

Do you want to emigrate to the UK as a professional or Student?

Are you in a profession listed in the shortage occupational lists above?

Please contact me on:

+2348171211754; +447909597109 (mobile); +447985682587 (WhatsApp)

Engineer Idowu Oyebanjo MNSE CEng MIET