EXODUS TO CANADA AND THE ECONOMY
Migration in very simple terms is the movement from one place to another for specific reasons. From the origin of man, it is clear that he has always moved from one place to another but never actually forgetting his home of origin. Nigerians are known to migrate mostly for economic reasons than social reasons. The current exodus to Canada stands out in two ways - the strategic platform being used and the caliber of Nigerians being admitted to that country.
The platform currently being used by Nigerians to migrate to Canada is the Express Entry programme run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The programme was launched in January 2015 with the following economic immigration categories: the Federal Skilled Workers Programme, the Federal Skilled Trades Programme, Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Programme. This Express Entry programme is used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence and select the best hands that would make an impact economically in Canada.
According to the IRCC Express Entry year-end report 2018; 92,231 applicants and their families were admitted into Canada as permanent residents through Express Entry. The most common countries of citizenship of the 92,231 applicants admitted into Canada in 2018 were: India – 43% (39,677), Nigeria – 7% (6,653), People’s Republic of China – 6% (5,885), USA – 4% (3,580), Pakistan 4% (3,525), UK – 3%
(2,658), Philippines – 2% (2,213), Egypt – 2% (1,775), France – 1% (1,326), completing the top 10 and other countries – 25% (23, 454). Looking at where Nigeria stands on the list, it is pretty clear that we are not doing badly and I see no reason why more Nigerians shouldn’t join this exodus. If citizens from India, China, and America with much better economies, infrastructure, and amenities than Nigeria are partaking in the exodus to Canada, it clearly means there are inherent benefits to both the citizens and their respective countries.
For Nigeria, in the next two to three years, remittances would begin to flow in from the 6,653 applicants admitted into Canada in 2018. Thus increasing significantly the overall remittance into Nigeria from the diaspora. These citizens are going to earn a lot of money and send back home to support loved ones left behind and by extension boost our economy.
To be modest, every year at least 100,000 graduates are churned out from Nigerian universities and it is practically almost impossible to absorb this huge number into the public/private sector year in year out. So Express Entry gives an opportunity for thousands of graduates/professionals including those going for post graduate studies that have a path to permanent residence after their studies (we can aim higher with 20,000 getting admitted yearly into Canada) would ensure that our youths are engaged positively and again, this is certainly going to have a positive effect on our economy and just like India, build a reputation as an exporter of talent.