Nigerians on social media have reacted after more than 400 migrant care workers staged a musical protest outside the UK Labour Party Conference, singing Nigerian singer Asa’s hit song ‘Jailer’ to demand changes to immigration rules they say expose them to exploitation.
Key Highlights
- Over 400 migrant care workers sang Asa’s ‘Jailer’ outside the UK Labour Party Conference.
- They want freedom to change employers without risking their immigration status.
- They also want the five-year route to UK permanent residency retained.
- Nigerians online are divided, with some criticising the protest and others defending the workers.
- Several commenters linked the debate to poor governance and conditions back home.
The protesters are calling for the freedom to change employers without risking their immigration status and the retention of the five-year route to permanent residency in the United Kingdom.
Their choice of song has sparked debate among Nigerians, with some questioning why Africans protest against conditions in foreign countries while others argue that migrant workers deserve fair treatment and dignity.
Critics Question The Protest
Reacting to the development, X user @FolarinAdio drew a comparison between historical slavery and the decision by some Africans to migrate voluntarily to Western countries.
“Over 400 years ago, Europeans came to Africa, chained people, and shipped them to work as slaves. Today, many Africans buy plane tickets and fly to England and other Western countries on their own, then ask to be enslaved albeit under favourable conditions,” he wrote.
Another user, @Kennethobinna, questioned the protesters’ position as migrants in a foreign country, while also highlighting the challenges that drive Nigerians to seek opportunities abroad.
“But come to think of it, you are in another man’s country displaying this, what if the govt change their mind and say go back to your country with immediate effect, what will be your next action?” the user asked.
The commenter subsequently called on African leaders to improve living conditions across the continent, saying, “God, please help Africa leaders to do the right in every corner of Africa, let them lead way, make life meaningful to Africa so that Japa will not be our only Hope to survive.”
The user added that the protest was “seriously insulting to the black world.”
Mixed Reactions Online
However, @olayinkagbenga defended the migrant care workers, arguing that those criticising them might be benefiting from the money they send home.
“Many of you here shading these professionals are beneficiaries of their hard labor. Funds they send home is key to sustaining ur consumption,” the user wrote.
Similarly, @Jegedekehinde criticised Africans who leave their home countries instead of confronting poor leadership and governance.
“Africans will always run away from confronting the dictators at home, while protesting against their host in the foreign land,” the user wrote.
The commenter added: “Need to say enough is enough to the wicked African’s leaders is the best way to go. You can’t run away from ur problem and expect freedom.”
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Meanwhile, @Joseravels4Life argued that the challenges faced by workers in the UK should be compared with the difficulties many professionals experience in Nigeria.
“The chain is only on the hand in the UK, in Nigeria the chain is on the legs, hands, minds and head. Let them enjoy,” the user wrote.
The commenter went on to cite monthly salaries for Nigerian healthcare professionals, claiming that nurses earn ₦160,000 while doctors earn ₦300,000. “The chains in UK is better,” the user added.
Another commenter, @Boniface, called for Nigerians to address problems at home, suggesting that similar protests could be organised to demand accountability from security agencies ahead of elections.
“Wow that’s awesome from the protesters I think we in Nigeria we need to also sing this kind of songs to our security agencies this elections season to let them understand that this forthcoming election is for everybody not for politicians alone oooh,” the user wrote.
The reactions reflect differing opinions on migration, workers’ rights, African leadership and the growing number of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
While some commenters believe migrants should focus more on addressing governance challenges in their home countries, others maintain that leaving Nigeria does not mean surrendering the right to fair treatment in a host country.
The protest has also renewed discussions about the experiences of migrant care workers and the immigration rules governing their employment and long-term settlement in the UK.
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