Japa: UK Invites Nigerians To Apply For Scale-up Visa

In line with our Japa series, we bring to you the latest on the migration routes Nigerians can take.

For a start, the coast is getting clearer as UK invites Nigerians to apply for Scale-up Visa through getting jobs in businesses eligible to employ them.

The scale-up vis is a new visa regime that is different from the academic route that most Nigerians take.

The Scale-up Visa system allows businesses in the UK to employ Nigerian talents and sponsor their japa (relocation) to the UK.

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According to a statement by the British Government, the scale-up visa application takes effect from August 2022.

The statement says that Nigerians and other foreign nationals who will japa into the UK via this route are those with in-demand skills that would help propel businesses in the UK.

Also, it said High-growth companies would be able to attract exceptional talents to the UK with new the Scale-up visa.

Skills Nigerians Who May Take This Japa Route Must Have:

Nigerians who want to japa into the UK via this Scale-Up Visa should have skills in the following areas:

1. Scientists
2. Engineers
3. Programmers
4. Software developers
5. Research and development professionals
6. Economists
7. Architects
8. Technicians
9. Financial and investment advisers

According to the UK government, small and medium scale businesses can bring in talents via this route.

It said companies with at least 10-employee staff strength can employ Nigerians and other countries’ talents in the above areas.

They can sponsor the japa movement of the talents they employ from their respective countries into the UK.

Also, it added that companies with the right to employ and sponsor the migration or japa of foreign talents are as follows:

Small businesses and companies in the tech and financial services sectors.

Meanwhile, the businesses must be those that have achieved growth of 20% or more in either employment or turnover year-on-year for at least 3 years and employed a minimum of 10 people at the start of the 3 years will be eligible to sponsor talented individuals through the Scale-up visa.”

Government speaks more on the new Japa route:

Meanwhile, speaking on the new new visa scheme which has clearly become a new japa route for even Nigerians, UK Minister for Safe and Legal Migration, Kevin Foster, said thus:

“Rapidly growing businesses, like small enterprises, tech and financial services, need the right level of support to go to the next level.

Furthermore, the Minister said, “Through our Scale-up visa, we’re enabling businesses to focus on their growth and innovation by giving them more freedom to bring in the diverse skills and experience they need, making them more attractive on an international stage.

“By supporting our high-growth tech, financial services and small businesses, we are ensuring the UK remains a global hub for emerging technologies and innovation while enhancing productivity across the economy – creating jobs, growth and prosperity across Britain.”

How The Scale-up Visa will benefit UK business:

The UK’s top high-growth businesses will have greater flexibility and power to entice the world’s top talent through the new Scale-up visa, the government announced today (22 August).

Specifically, UK businesses experiencing impressive success will be eligible to sponsor talented individuals, from scientists and engineers to architects and programmers, to support their growth and contribute to boosting the UK’s economy.

Meanwhile, unlike other sponsored visas, the Scale-up visa allows businesses to employ high-skilled individuals who will receive 2 years’ leave to remain in the UK without requiring further sponsorship or permission beyond the first 6 months.

Also, this will further enhance the government’s overall offer to businesses through the points-based immigration system to hire eligible employees from anywhere in the world.

The Scale-up visa will give them greater flexibility to hire, often in-demand, talent they need so they can go to the next level, while boosting the UK’s high-skilled pool.