BRICS+ Series: Higher visa charges are pushing more Nigerians into remote work

Last week, a significant policy change occurred when former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order implementing a substantial $100,000 (£74,000) fee for applicants to the H-1B visa program. This program has historically served as a primary pathway for skilled workers, especially those from developing nations like Nigeria, to enter the American job market. This new development is anticipated to lead to a sharp decline in the number of foreign workers physically relocating to the US.

Various countries, including the United States, are increasing visa costs, making international travel and relocation more challenging for many. For instance, in April 2025, the United Kingdom increased its long-term visitor visa from £963 to £1,059, and student visa fees rose by seven percent to £524. Similarly, the European Union (EU) raised its Schengen visa fee from €80 to €90 in 2024. Even the United Arab Emirates, a popular destination for Nigerians seeking opportunities, has implemented higher visa charges. 

Nigeria’s remote work advantage

For Nigerian professionals, this situation might not be a disadvantage but rather a turning point. Akintunde Opawole, founder of Danval Technologies, noted that increased visa fees could accelerate Nigeria's growth as a hub for remote work. He stated, "Not only will remote jobs be offered to talent worldwide, but this will also encourage businesses to outsource their operations and processes to our start-up companies. Fortunately for Nigerians, we possess all the necessary resources to capitalize on this policy and market."

Nigeria boasts a significant advantage in both demographics and geography. With a median age of just 17, it possesses one of the world's youngest talent pools, considerably younger than the United States (39), Europe (42), or Japan (46). Its time zone compatibility further increases its appeal, being only an hour from Europe, five hours from North America, and within eight hours of Asia. These attributes position Nigeria as an optimal hub for businesses aiming for uninterrupted productivity through distributed teams.

Shifting hiring patterns

US companies are finding it more economical to hire Nigerian tech professionals remotely than to pay the $100,000 H-1B visa fee. This financial disparity could lead to a significant shift in US hiring practices. As Nubi Achebo of the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) suggests, employers may increasingly opt for remote work arrangements, allowing Nigerians to work for US firms from their home country and earn US salaries. This trend is driven by the high visa costs, which make remote hiring a more rational choice.

Multinational corporations may establish regional offices in countries such as Nigeria or India to access more affordable talent, thereby avoiding visa sponsorship complexities. This strategy could stimulate local job creation, cultivate new economic ecosystems, and enhance Nigeria's standing in the global digital economy.

Higher visa costs may not be the only reason more Nigerians are working remotely, according to some analysts. Olamide Adeyeye, Jobberman Nigeria's country head of Programmes, noted that various social and economic factors influence migration, including personal safety, the overall environment, and the quality of relationships. He emphasised that remote work is expanding independently. This perspective highlights that while cost is a factor, security, governance, and quality of life are also significant motivations for Nigerians considering moving.

A digital future for Nigerian talent

Increased visa costs and extended processing times are making physical migration for work and study less feasible. However, remote work is emerging as a strong alternative. Nigerian professionals are already widely present on platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and Andela, serving a global clientele. This trend is expected to boost foreign exchange inflows from such services, helping to mitigate Nigeria's ongoing dollar shortages.

Beginning in 2026, a new US visa policy will significantly impact labor mobility for Nigerians and citizens from South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, and Ethiopia. This policy change introduces stricter documentation requirements and longer wait times. While South Africans are temporarily exempt under the US Visa Waiver Program, the majority of African nations will be directly affected. This shift is particularly significant for Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, and is expected to fundamentally alter its labor mobility landscape.

A paradox is emerging: as physical borders become more rigid, digital boundaries are becoming more fluid. In the coming years, remote work could transition from a temporary solution to the standard mode of global labor for many Nigerians. With improved broadband infrastructure, reliable power supply, and supportive regulatory frameworks, Nigeria could leverage this challenge. By transforming rising visa costs into an impetus, the nation could position itself as Africa's hub for remote work.

Written By: 

*Dr Iqbal Survé

Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN

*Sesona Mdlokovana

Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group 

African Specialist

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