Apparently, the US Dept of Labor is pissed off that companies are laying off record number of workers but not the workers' that are on H-1B(a visa that allows  educated foriegners to remain in the US to work).This further perpetuates the claim that foriegners are taking"American" jobs. 

As the debate over H-1B workers and skilled immigrants intensifies, we are losing sight of one important fact: The U.S. is no longer the only land of opportunity. If we don't want the immigrants who have fueled our innovation and economic growth, they now have options elsewhere. Immigrants are returning home in greater numbers. And new research shows they are returning to enjoy a better quality of life, better career prospects, and the comfort of being close to family and friends.

I recently attended the African Business Conference in DC and was amazed at the opportunities that are available in Africa. Every other person I spoke to was either based there or making plans to do so.This leaves the question, if there are more opportunities in Africa, how many people are willing to go pursue them and if not, what are the hindrances?.



 


Comments

Ayodeji Olu-Ayeni

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:30:23

The opportunities are there however, there are hindrances or challenges. I will not focus on those but i will give some tips to people who hope to move back to explore the opportunities.
1. Start visiting and talking to people. you have to experience the reality and not just take what people say as gospel.
2. You need to start talking to people and building that network. You network determines the exposure you will receive. That is the most valuable thing you can have in that society.
3. Be open. Open to the fact that things will not work the same way u are used to seeing it work in the western world. Get ready to adapt and learn the society.
4. Know your stuff. There are so many smart people back home that you have to stand out by having a distinct value proposition. Your foreign degree alone doesn't get you too far.
5. Talk to those who have done it. Everybody has something valuable to tell you about their experience.

 

GNG

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:22:32

When I was in Nigeria last November (after being away for over 15 years), my cousin's husband tried to encourage my sister and I to move back home and take advantage of the many opportunities there.

I agree with the previous commenter that a foreign degree alone will not do the trick: you need to be skilled, knowledgeable, and like it is abroad, networking is key to getting ahead, and being more than the status quo.

Nigeria is full of brilliant minds, and I feel dumber than most people that I met while I was there. I think I'll probably stay put here.

 



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