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In a surprising move, several countries have made relocation easier for Nigerians in 2026. Canada has taken the lead by introducing new permanent residency pathways specifically for internationally trained medical doctors, including Nigerians. This initiative expands access to permanent residency through Express Entry and provincial or territorial immigration programmes. Qualified doctors can also begin working while their immigration applications are being processed, helping to address the country’s healthcare workforce shortage.
Canada has a long history of attracting skilled workers from around the world. In 2020, Canada welcomed over 800,000 immigrants, making up 2.2% of its population. The country's Express Entry programme was created in 2015 to facilitate the entry of skilled workers into the country. Under this programme, candidates are ranked based on their age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Those who score high enough are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
But Canada is not the only country opening its doors to Nigerian doctors. Russia has launched a new Skilled Worker Visa programme to attract foreign professionals into sectors facing acute labour shortages. The programme allows eligible applicants to obtain a three-year temporary residence permit or apply directly for permanent residency. It also removes the mandatory Russian language examination and aims to process applications within 30 days.
Russia is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector. In 2022, the country's Ministry of Health announced that it would introduce a new visa regime to attract foreign medical professionals. The Skilled Worker Visa programme is part of these efforts.
Ireland has also expanded its employment permit system by introducing 32 reforms aimed at filling vacancies across critical sectors. The changes affect industries including healthcare, construction, agriculture, transport, food production, and specialist services. More occupations have been added to the Critical Skills Employment Permit list, giving skilled Nigerian workers greater access to employment and long-term residency opportunities.
Greece has revised its Digital Nomad Visa programme to provide a clearer pathway for remote workers. Applicants must now obtain a 12-month Digital Nomad Visa before travelling, which can later be converted into a two-year residence permit. The reforms provide greater legal certainty for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees seeking long-term residence.
Lithuania has overhauled its work permit system with a fully digital application platform to attract foreign talent. The country also replaced sector-specific labour quotas with a unified national quota, simplifying recruitment for employers and creating new opportunities in more than 100 occupations experiencing worker shortages.
Spain has approved a large-scale regularisation programme aimed at granting legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants already living in the country. Eligible applicants can obtain renewable work permits and legal residency, allowing them to work across sectors such as hospitality, tourism, agriculture, and other service industries.
Ghana introduced visa-free entry for all African citizens from May 25, 2026. Under the new policy, Nigerians can travel to Ghana without obtaining a traditional visa, instead using a free electronic travel authorisation. The initiative is expected to boost tourism, trade, business, and regional integration across Africa.
Togo removed visa requirements for all African passport holders. Nigerians and other African travellers can now enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, provided they meet applicable immigration, health, and security requirements. The move is expected to encourage tourism, business travel, and regional commerce.
The Republic of the Congo has announced plans to introduce visa-free entry for all African nationals from January 2027. Although the policy has not yet taken effect, it signals the country’s commitment to improving intra-African mobility and regional integration.
For many Nigerians hoping to relocate abroad, 2026 has presented both new opportunities and tougher challenges. While several traditional migration destinations have tightened immigration policies, these 9 countries offer alternative pathways for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and African travellers.
Growing opportunities despite tougher migration rules. While many popular destinations continue to tighten immigration policies, several countries are opening new pathways for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and African travellers. For Nigerians planning to relocate, these reforms offer alternative destinations with improved access to employment, residency, and cross-border mobility, although applicants should always review each country’s official immigration requirements before making relocation plans.