Japa: How Nigerians can apply for jobs abroad with visa sponsorship

As more Nigerians seek employment abroad, finding employers willing to recruit international workers remains a major hurdle. However, a review of official recruitment portals by PUNCH Online identified several government-backed employers and organisations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and Germany that either operate international recruitment programmes or advertise vacancies that may include visa sponsorship for eligible overseas applicants. While sponsorship depends on the specific role and the employer’s requirements, the organisations below provide verified pathways for qualified Nigerians seeking employment overseas. 1. National Health Service, United Kingdom The UK’s National Health Service is one of the country’s largest employers of overseas healthcare professionals. Its official recruitment portal advertises vacancies for nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers, biomedical scientists and other healthcare workers. Many vacancies on the portal explicitly state “Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available” or “Certificate of Sponsorship available” for eligible applicants, while others indicate that sponsorship is unavailable. Applicants are therefore advised to read each vacancy carefully before applying. Apply: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk 2. Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust The NHS Trust operates a dedicated international recruitment programme for eligible overseas applicants. According to its official website, successful candidates requiring sponsorship are supported through the Certificate of Sponsorship process needed for a UK Skilled Worker visa. The Trust also provides information to help international recruits relocate and settle in the United Kingdom. 3. Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust The Trust’s official recruitment page states that it welcomes international applicants and operates an overseas recruitment programme. It offers support with sponsorship, relocation and settling into life in the UK for eligible recruits. 4. Health Service Executive, Ireland Ireland’s Health Service Executive regularly recruits healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and allied health workers, to fill critical workforce shortages. Its official careers portal advertises vacancies and provides information on employment opportunities for internationally qualified professionals. Apply: https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs 5. Health Match BC, Canada Health Match BC is a government-supported recruitment programme that helps connect internationally trained physicians and other healthcare professionals with employers in British Columbia. The programme also provides information on immigration pathways, licensing requirements and relocation for successful applicants. Apply: https://www.healthmatchbc.org 6. Make it in Germany The German government’s official “Make it in Germany” portal connects international skilled workers with employers seeking professionals in sectors such as nursing, engineering, information technology, logistics and manufacturing. The platform also provides guidance on obtaining work visas, recognition of foreign qualifications and relocating to Germany. What applicants should know The availability of visa sponsorship depends on the employer and the specific vacancy. Prospective applicants should carefully review the requirements for each vacancy, as visa sponsorship, relocation support and eligibility vary by employer and job role.