How to Japa From Nigeria With Facility Security Jobs
If you want to japa from Nigeria with facility security jobs, you must understand one critical truth: you do not relocate first and then look for work. You secure employment first — then relocation legally follows through employer sponsorship or a work visa pathway.
over the past decade, I have guided hundreds of Nigerians through employment-based relocation. The ones who succeeded treated relocation like a structured project. The ones who failed rushed, applied blindly, paid agents unnecessarily, or misunderstood visa timing.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through relocating legally with a facility security job — what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and what to avoid.
Understanding Relocation WITH a Job (Not Relocation First)
When people say they want to “japa,” they often mean “leave Nigeria as soon as possible.” That mindset is hazardous.
In real relocation practice:
- You secure a job offer from an employer licensed to hire foreign workers.
- That employer supports your work visa submission.
- You receive legal permission to live and work.
- Only then do you relocate.
Why this order matters
If you travel on a visitor visa hoping to find security work, you will likely:
- Be unable to work legally
- Risk deportation
- Damage your immigration record
Prosperous relocators understand that employment drives the visa, not the other way around.
Choosing the Right Contry for Facility Security Jobs
Not all countries sponsor foreign security personnel. Licensing rules differ considerably.
For Nigerian applicants, the most realistic destinations are:
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
Each has different realities.
1. United Kingdom
Security roles include:
- Security officer
- CCTV operator
- Corporate building security
- Hospital security
However, UK security jobs usually require an SIA (Security Industry Authority) license.
You must review:
👉 UK Skilled Worker Visa: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
👉 UK Shortage Occupation List: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations
Timing reality:
you cannot apply for the SIA license until you have legal status in the UK. That means most overseas applicants are hired by companies willing to sponsor and guide them through licensing.
Common mistake: Paying UK “agents” who promise SIA sponsorship without a real job offer.
2. Canada
Canada hires security guards under NOC TEER categories.
Review:
👉 Government of Canada immigration: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
👉 Job Bank canada: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
In Canada:
- Many security roles require provincial licensing.
- Employers may require prior experience.
- Some roles require LMIA (Labor market Impact Assessment).
When to apply: After preparing a Canadian-style CV and understanding which provinces license security workers.
3. UAE and Gulf Countries
The UAE regularly recruits foreign security officers.
Job search platforms:
👉 LinkedIn Jobs: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/
👉 Indeed UAE: https://www.indeed.com/
👉 Bayt: https://www.bayt.com/
In the Gulf:
- Employers typically arrange work permits.
- Recruitment agencies must be verified.
- Many legitimate employers conduct video interviews.
Common mistake: Paying large “processing fees” before receiving an official offer letter.
Understanding the Job Market Reality
Before applying, understand:
- Entry-level security roles are competitive.
- Employers prioritize:
- Prior security experience
- Military or paramilitary background
- Certifications (CCTV, conflict management)
- Clean criminal record
If you have no experience, your first step is to gain at least 1–2 years in Nigeria.
successful relocators build their profile first.
What to Prepare BEFORE Applying for Jobs
This stage determines 70% of your success.
1. International CV Formatting
Why it matters: Employers abroad reject poorly formatted Nigerian-style CVs.
How to do it:
- Use 2 pages maximum
- No passport photo (for UK/Canada)
- Highlight measurable security responsibilities
- Use keywords like:
- “Access control”
- “Incident reporting”
- “Surveillance monitoring”
When to do it: Before opening LinkedIn applications.
Common mistake: Including marital status, tribe, religion.
2. International Passport
Why it matters: Employers will not process sponsorship without it.
When to get it: Before serious job applications.
Mistake: Waiting until after job offer — delays visa timelines.
3.Police Clearance Certificate
Why it matters: Required for visa processing.
When to obtain: After job offer OR shortly before, depending on processing time.
mistake: Getting it too early and letting it expire.
Where and How to Apply for Facility Security Jobs
To japa from Nigeria with facility security jobs, you must apply strategically.
LinkedIn jobs
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/
Why it matters: Many UK and Canadian employers recruit here.
How to search:
- Use keywords: “Security Officer visa sponsorship”
- Filter by:
- Location (UK, Canada, UAE)
- Experience level (Entry/Mid-level)
When to apply:
- weekdays during business hours in the employer’s country.
Common mistake:
- Applying without tailoring CV to each role.
indeed
👉 https://www.indeed.com/
Why it matters: Global listings aggregated in one place.
search method:
- Type: “Security guard visa sponsorship UK”
- Set location filter.
Apply directly through employer website when possible.
Mistake:
- Applying to 200 jobs blindly instead of 20 targeted applications.
Glassdoor Jobs
👉 https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/
Why it matters: Shows company reviews.
Use it to:
- Verify employer legitimacy
- Understand interview style
Mistake:
- Ignoring red flags from employee reviews.
NHS & Health Security Roles (UK Hospitals)
👉 https://www.nhsjobs.com/
👉 https://www.healthjobsuk.com/
👉 https://www.healthjobsuk.com/health_employer_search
Why relevant:
UK hospitals hire internal security staff.
Search terms:
- “Security Officer”
- “Facilities Security”
Filter:
- Visa sponsorship availability
Mistake:
- Applying without checking sponsorship eligibility.
How Employers Assess Overseas Candidates
Employers evaluate:
- Communication skills
- Stability of work history
- Licensing eligibility
- Realistic relocation expectations
They worry about:
- Visa delays
- Candidate disappearing after sponsorship
- Lack of licensing qualification
Successful applicants:
- Clearly state willingness to relocate
- Demonstrate understanding of visa process
- Show long-term commitment
After You Receive a Job Offer
This is where timing matters most.
Step 1: Offer Letter review
Ensure:
- Job title
- Salary
- Sponsorship confirmation
- Start date
Mistake:
- Resigning in Nigeria before visa approval.
Step 2: Work Visa Application
Apply through official portals only:
UK:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Canada:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
UAE:
👉 https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id
Why this matters:
Visa approval gives legal entry rights.
Common mistake:
Using third-party agents unnecessarily.
Step 3: Biometrics & Documentation
Prepare:
- Passport
- Offer letter
- Police clearance
- Medicals (if required)
When:
Immediately after visa submission request.
Mistake:
Delaying biometrics booking.
Pre-Departure Planning
Do this ONLY after visa approval.
1. Housing Research
Use:
- https://www.rightmove.co.uk/ (UK)
- https://www.zillow.com/ (Canada)
- https://www.propertyfinder.ae/ (UAE)
Why:
Understand rental costs before arrival.
Mistake:
Paying deposits before verifying landlord legitimacy.
2. Financial Preparation
Bring:
- Emergency funds for 2–3 months
- Enough for transport and food
Mistake:
Arriving with no financial buffer.
3. Document Folder
Carry:
- Employment contract
- Visa approval
- Academic certificates
- police clearance
Keep both physical and digital copies.
First 30–90 Days After Arrival
Your priorities:
- Complete local security licensing
Why: Mandatory to work legally.
When: Immediately after arrival.
Mistake: Assuming employer handles everything.
- Open bank account
Needed for salary payments.
- Register for tax/social insurance
- Understand worker rights
UK example:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/employment-status
Canada example:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/labour-standards.html
Common Relocation Failures
- applying without passport
- Paying fake sponsorship agents
- Resigning too early
- Ignoring licensing requirements
- Not verifying employer registration
Always verify company details through official government business registries.
Scams Targeting Security Job Seekers
Be cautious of:
- Job offers without interviews
- Requests for “visa processing fees”
- Gmail/yahoo email domains
- No verifiable company address
Legitimate employers deduct costs legally or handle sponsorship transparently.
Final Reality Check
To successfully japa from Nigeria with facility security jobs, you must:
- Build relevant experience
- Prepare documents properly
- Apply strategically
- Wait for a legitimate job offer
- Follow official visa processes
- Plan your arrival financially
Relocation is not luck. It is sequencing.
If you follow correct timing, verify every employer, and treat this as a structured employment project, you significantly reduce your risk and increase your chances of relocating safely and legally.
Always confirm details directly through official government websites before making decisions.
Your relocation success depends less on speed — and more on preparation and timing.
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