Experts enlighten Nigerians on Japa syndrome

To raise more public awareness on both the positive and negative implications inherent in Nigerians embarking on foreign trips without proper information and adequate preparations, media personality and family coach, Uzo Ododooba, has urged Nigerians who wish to leave the shore of the country for greener pasture to go through legal travel procedures, processes and do due diligence to know the policies of the foreign countries to avoid been subjected to all manners of inhumane treatment one that could end up fatal.

According to her, many Nigerians have been scammed and lost hard earned money due to the Japa culture in a bid to escape the increasing hardships in the country. “The few who eventually succeed to leave Nigeria have been subjected to all manners of inhumane, degrading treatments, while others had unconsciously sent themselves to their early graves. It is particularly a harrowing experience for young Nigerian women who are trafficked into Europe as they end up being forced into prostitution by gangs of criminals who manipulate and exploit them for illicit gains. Organs harvesting, sleeping with animals, trafficking of hard drugs are other untold horror they have been made to pass through.”

On his part, a certified travel consultant and also an education expert, Innocent Offiong, said: “Before you start the travel process, do a lot of research, use the Internet to learn about the country you wish to travel to and all the permit conditions required of you. You need to plan and be well-informed.”

You should not feel rushed or pressured to leave because there are obligations you need to be ready for once you leave. As an immigrant, getting the visa is one step and acceptance at the border of your host country is another thing.”

He advised Nigerians who want to travel to other countries either for studies, work, vocational skills acquisition or family relocation to get these relevant documents: a trade certificate, international passport, school admission letters, proof of funds documents and an approval of Certificates from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your originating country.