Immigrating to another country, commonly referred to as “Japa” in Nigerian parlance, is a dream for many seeking better opportunities, whether in terms of work, education, or personal growth. As you contemplate starting a new life abroad, it’s crucial to consider how you’ll sustain yourself financially.
While academic qualifications and formal employment can open doors, handwork—crafts and skilled trades—can be just as valuable. Not only do they offer a means of livelihood, but they can also provide a level of independence and flexibility that might be harder to find in the formal job market.
In this article, we will delve into ten handworks that can serve as a lifeline for immigrants seeking opportunities in foreign lands. These skills are not only profitable but also provide a sense of fulfilment and self-reliance.
Why Immigrants Need to Learn Handwork
When immigrants arrive in a new country, one of the first hurdles they face is establishing financial stability. This challenge can be compounded by a lack of local work experience, unfamiliarity with the language, or difficulty in having foreign qualifications recognized.
Traditional office jobs may not always be available, or the job market may be overly competitive, especially for those in search of their first employment abroad.
For this reason, learning a handwork before or upon arrival can be a strategic move. It enables immigrants to be self-sufficient and avoid long periods of unemployment. Furthermore, handwork skills are portable—whether you’re in the United States, Canada, the UK, or the UAE, there will always be demand for skilled labour.
Handwork can also provide more flexible working hours compared to conventional office work. This is particularly important for immigrants who may need to juggle other responsibilities, such as language classes or family care. In some cases, immigrants can even start their own businesses, offering their services to fellow immigrants or local communities.
Moreover, many of the handwork skills listed below are in high demand abroad, as they cater to both local needs and the increasing desire for culturally diverse services. Therefore, investing time and effort into acquiring one or more of these skills before Japa can significantly ease the transition to life in a new country.
Profitable Handworks Abroad: Why They Are in Demand
Handwork skills are often an underappreciated part of the economy, but they provide essential services that many people cannot do without. In some countries, there is a robust market for handwork, as it appeals to the demand for personalized, creative, and often eco-friendly goods.
Profitable Handwork Opportunities
1. Tailoring and Fashion Design
Fashion is a global industry, and immigrants who are skilled in tailoring or fashion design can easily adapt to the demands of their new environment. In many countries, there is a constant demand for skilled tailors to design both everyday wear and specialized garments for occasions such as weddings, parties, or festivals.
For example, an immigrant tailor in the United States could create bespoke wedding dresses or suits, while a fashion designer might tap into the local market by offering trendy designs tailored to multicultural communities.
In the UK, a Nigerian tailor could specialize in making African prints and traditional outfits, which would appeal to the African diaspora.
2. Hairdressing Services
Hairdressing is another lucrative handwork that is in high demand abroad. People across cultures invest in their appearance, and hairstylists who can offer unique or culturally specific hairstyles have an edge in multicultural societies. For immigrants, hairdressing offers not only an opportunity to earn but also to connect with fellow nationals who may need services that align with their traditional or cultural styles.
Consider the success of a Ghanaian immigrant in the United States, who began by offering braiding services to the African-American and African immigrant community. Her business quickly grew through word-of-mouth, and she expanded her offerings to include natural hair care, wigs, and extensions.
Today, she operates a successful salon catering to a diverse clientele, from Black Americans to people of African descent.
3. Catering and Event Planning
Food is at the heart of every culture, and immigrant communities often crave home-cooked meals and foods that remind them of their homeland. Catering and event planning are ideal handworks for immigrants, as they allow you to share your culinary expertise with others while earning a living.
In countries with large immigrant populations, such as the United States, the UK, and Canada, there is high demand for culturally diverse food options.
A Nigerian immigrant with a knack for cooking traditional dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam, and egusi soup can start a catering business serving the African diaspora or even the broader community. Some immigrants expand their catering businesses to offer event planning services, such as organizing weddings, parties, and other social gatherings.
4. Graphic Design
With the growing importance of the digital economy, graphic design has become a highly marketable skill. Immigrants who have a knack for design or visual communication can earn money by offering freelance graphic design services.
The ability to create logos, websites, digital marketing materials, and other visual content is in demand across industries, and remote work in this field is particularly accessible.
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer have made it easier for skilled graphic designers to market their work and find clients from around the world.
5. Carpentry
Carpentry and woodwork are traditional skills that remain highly relevant today. Immigrants skilled in creating furniture, cabinetry, or even home renovations can thrive in countries where there is a demand for personalized and handmade goods.
A Nigerian immigrant in Canada, for instance, could combine carpentry skills with a modern aesthetic to create trendy furniture for the home décor market. Over time, this type of business can expand to include custom-built kitchens, cabinets, and office spaces, serving both individual clients and businesses.
6. Automobile Repair and Maintenance
In countries like the United States, Germany, and the UAE, immigrants who are trained mechanics can easily find work in auto repair shops or even start their own businesses. A mechanic with a specialization in electric or hybrid vehicles may even have a competitive edge as these technologies continue to grow.
7. Plumbing and Electrical Work
Plumbing and electrical work are skilled trades that are always in demand. Immigrants who can perform tasks such as installing plumbing systems, fixing leaks, or wiring electrical systems have the potential to earn a stable income. These skills are not only highly valued but also often require certifications or licenses, making them ideal for immigrants looking to establish themselves as credible professionals in their new country.
8. Shoe Making
Shoe making and leatherwork are additional forms of handwork that can thrive abroad. Leather products such as shoes, belts, bags, and wallets are always in demand, especially when they are handcrafted and designed with attention to detail. Immigrants who master these skills can offer their creations to both locals and other immigrants from their communities.
In countries like Italy, known for its leather goods, immigrant artisans can carve out a niche market by producing custom-made shoes or leather accessories. These businesses can also benefit from the growing trend of sustainable and ethically made goods.
9. Stone Masonry
Immigrants who are skilled in building structures, laying bricks, or working with stone can find work with construction companies or as independent contractors.
For instance, an immigrant from the Caribbean who learned stone masonry in his home country found a lucrative career in the UAE, where the demand for construction workers is high.
10. Sewing and Textile Production
Sewing and textile production are important handworks, especially in countries where garment manufacturing is a major part of the economy. Immigrants skilled in sewing or fabric production can participate in both small-scale and large-scale industries. By tailoring garments, creating textiles for the fashion industry, or producing upholstery fabrics, immigrants can generate significant income.
Conclusion
Learning a handwork skill before Japa is one of the best ways for immigrants to thrive abroad. Whether it’s tailoring, beauty services, or carpentry, each skill offers the opportunity for financial independence, entrepreneurial success, and a deeper connection to the
1 comment
Good evening please I know how to plant a hair and know how design clothes like fashion designer that is my handwork thank you