A Nigerian man, filled with hope and responsibility, makes a life-changing decision—he will sponsor his sister’s relocation to the UK through a Certificate of Sponsorship #CoS

He took out a loan to cover her visa, flights, accommodation, and initial expenses and they agree that once she starts earning, she will repay the debt.

She arrives in November, ready to begin a new life in the UK and in December, she landed a domiciliary care job, one of the most common Tier 2 visa sponsorship jobs for new immigrants.

The work is tough, demanding long hours and emotional resilience. But it’s a stepping stone - many use this opportunity to transition into better roles.

By March, just four months in, she quits without warning and she booked a one-way ticket back to Nigeria, leaving her brother with a huge debt.

She hasn’t paid back a single penny, despite the sacrifices he made to bring her over.

The brother is now left struggling financially, questioning his decision to help. He wonders, “How could my own sister do this to me?” He realises that not everyone is ready for the reality of #japa life—the long hours, cultural shock, and tough jobs.

This story is a warning to many Nigerians planning to sponsor relatives to the UK, Canada, or the US. Not everyone can handle the hard work that comes with migration.
- Some people feel entitled and do not understand the sacrifices others make for them.
- Helping someone shouldn’t mean destroying yourself financially.

IIf you’re planning to sponsor a family member, take precautions:
- Have a clear agreement—written and signed if necessary.
- Consider the person’s resilience and work ethic before investing in their relocation.
- Ensure you can handle the financial burden alone in case things go south.

Would you sponsor a family member to Japa after hearing this story? Join the discussion on JapaForum.com—the No.1 community for Nigerians abroad and those planning their relocation journey!