There’s a popular Nigerian pidgin saying, “Monkey dey work, baboon dey chop”. It simply means a group, usually powerful, relaxes and enjoys life off the sweat of weaker ones.
Such can be said of the relationship between many travel/visa agents and Nigerians desirous of ‘japa’.
It is not uncommon to read or hear of a Nigerian seeking greener pastures in Western countries to be defrauded by agents who know little or nothing about the often transparent processes required to secure a visa to ‘dreamland’. Many a time, such ‘monkey’ ends up with the dreaded ‘blue form’ of the United States embassy or the rejection mail from other embassies over one reason or another. More unfortunate ones end up with lengthy bans from entering the country for any reason – a terminal disease of japa plans.
Many Nigerians trust quack agents due to the misconception that these agents have insider knowledge or special connections that can expedite the immigration process. These agents often promise quick and guaranteed results, which can be very tempting. However, the reality is that they often employ dubious means to secure visas or other immigration documents.
Some common fraudulent practices include document forgery, in which bank statements have been the worst hit. Employment history, immigration entry stamps and even degree certificates are not spared; false information is provided on application forms or during interviews; and unethical shortcuts where agents may have contacts who engage in bribery or other illegal activities to push applications through.
These practices not only jeopardize the chances of securing a visa but can also result in long-term bans from entering the desired countries and significant financial losses.
The consequences of relying on quack agents can be severe; bans and blacklisting is top of the list as many countries have stringent checks and can easily detect forged documents or false information. Once detected, applicants can be banned from entering these countries for several years or even for life. Some applicants incur huge financial losses after paying exorbitant fees to these agents, believing that their chances of success are higher. Not to forget, the emotional distress of facing the reality that the japa dream may never materialise.
To avoid these pitfalls, Nigerians need to seek accurate and reliable information from official sources like embassy websites which provide the most current and accurate information regarding visa requirements, application processes, and necessary documents. These official websites outline the steps clearly, allowing applicants to understand what is required and what to expect during the process.
Also, following official guidelines ensures that all documents and information submitted are legitimate, reducing the risk of bans and other penalties. It is also cost-effective to use the correct channels to save money by avoiding the exorbitant fees charged by quack agents and preventing the need for reapplications.
For successful immigration, applicants must research thoroughly. A good start is to visit the official website of the embassy of the country you wish to move to and read all the available information carefully. It is also important to prepare documentation, gather all required documents as per the guidelines and ensure that all documents are genuine and accurately reflect your situation.
Don’t forget to seek professional help. If needed, consult with a licensed immigration lawyer or a reputable agency. Ensure they are registered and have good reviews. It also helps to stay informed as immigration policies can change. Keep yourself updated by regularly checking the official embassy website and other reliable sources.
Trusting quack agents for immigration services can lead to severe consequences but by seeking quality information from official embassy websites and following the outlined procedures diligently, Nigerians can increase their chances of successful immigration.
Applicants desirous of various immigration documents may choose, at their detriment that is, to allow the ever eager baboons to keep ‘chopping’.
