Origins of the Project – Understanding the ‘Japa’ Journey

Introduction:
Migration has long been part of Nigerian society. However, an increasing number of Nigerians have been relocating to the UK in search of better opportunities. Commonly known as “Japa” (derived from the Yoruba word for “to flee”), this movement is reshaping family structures and socio-economic dynamics in both Nigeria and the UK.

Insights from Walk347

Our 2023 Japa series at Walk347 has provided a range of narratives that reveal the multifaceted challenges of migration. For example, the article Analysing the Impact of Immigration on the United Kingdom explains that migration challenges extend beyond economic opportunity to include emotional and social dimensions. In Navigating the Intersection of Alcohol, Drugs and Mental Health, the complex relationship between substance use and mental health among migrants is explored, indicating the need for careful attention. Another piece, Challenges Faced by the "Jakpanese" Population in Accessing Healthcare, discusses how barriers in unfamiliar healthcare systems further complicate the settling-in process.

Key Research Questions

Despite these rich narratives, systematic research on the broader impacts of migration remains limited. Our project seeks to address the following questions:

• How does migration influence the emotional well-being and economic stability of Nigerian families, considering both those who remain in Nigeria and the spouse who migrates alone?
• What specific impacts do children experience, whether they stay in Nigeria or are indirectly affected by a parent’s solo migration to the UK?
• What challenges and adjustment processes do migrants face upon arrival in the UK?

The “Mind The (Immigration) Gap” Project

The “Mind The (Immigration) Gap” Project aims to provide data-driven insights into three key areas of the migration experience:

• Expectations vs. Realities:
  Examine the gap between the anticipated benefits of migration and the actual experiences of Nigerian migrants.
• Challenges of Family Separation:
  Explore the emotional and economic impacts on families, including the effects on left-behind spouses and children, as well as the challenges faced by spouses who migrate alone.
• The Role of Policies in Migrant Experiences:
  Analyse how immigration and support policies shape the lived realities of migrants and their families, identifying potential areas for policy improvement.

The project will employ a multi-layered methodology, including online surveys, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and policy analysis. It is scheduled to launch on 8 March 2025 (International Women’s Day) with data collection in March and April 2025. Research findings will be shared on 15 May 2025 (International Day of Families) to inform discussions on migration policy and support systems.

This project is designed to serve as a valuable resource for advocacy and policy action by offering a balanced perspective on the diverse impacts of migration on Nigerian families. We welcome community members, policymakers, and stakeholders to join this ongoing dialogue.

Chukwudi Onwudinanti
Is the Mind the Immigration Gap Project lead and
is based in Reading, United Kingdom