Project Management

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What are the chances of professionals in project management from Africa to work beyond the shores of Africa?

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OLUWASEUN ANIFOWOSHE PM II| Minaj Holdings Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria
I was interviewed by some experts in the construction industry in the UK and the interview was successful but when they realised i had to go through the process of acquiring a work permit, they couldn't continue the process with me. i also got a consulting offer from the US and we agreed a documented pay of 200 dollars per hour but when the issue of work permit came up, the offer was stylishly turned down. whats the best way to enjoy ones profession at the best levels in the world without having this work permit constraint. Thank you.
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Joao Sarmento Senior Project/Program Manager| UNITEL Luanda, Luanda, Angola
Work permits are always tricky issues... which applies to many countries and nationalities.

There are other countries were immigration laws might be more flexible for highly qualified professionals.

My suggestion goes to continue making yourself "irresistible" (training, certifications, hard skills, soft skills, languages, professional image, profile, etc.) so the hiring company doesn't mind going through the process if they see you a "must have" professional.
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1 reply by OLUWASEUN ANIFOWOSHE
Jan 09, 2020 8:57 AM
OLUWASEUN ANIFOWOSHE
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They are nice and lovely ideas to pursue. Thank you for the kind words.
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Kiron Bondale Retired | Mentor| Retired Welland, Ontario, Canada
Oluwaseun -

It comes down to the level of perceived incremental effort involved in the work permit process relative to the level of perceived incremental value gained by sourcing a candidate from another country.

If you have a "hot skill" which is is high demand and low supply then there may be greater willingness to invest this effort. Similarly, if the client is a large company who is very comfortable with the visa/work permit process, this may be a non issue for them whereas smaller or mid-size companies who haven't encountered this scenario before might be hesitant.

Finally, it is also a function of the immigration policy climate within the country. If the country is welcoming newcomers that will create a much more receptive situation for potential employers than one which is not.

Your best bet is to find an influencer who can lobby for you on your behalf to help overcome these uncertainties and fears in person with the hiring manager.

Kiron
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1 reply by OLUWASEUN ANIFOWOSHE
Jan 09, 2020 8:56 AM
OLUWASEUN ANIFOWOSHE
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It is a very positive response kiron. I appreciate.
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OLUWASEUN ANIFOWOSHE PM II| Minaj Holdings Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria
Jan 09, 2020 8:42 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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Oluwaseun -

It comes down to the level of perceived incremental effort involved in the work permit process relative to the level of perceived incremental value gained by sourcing a candidate from another country.

If you have a "hot skill" which is is high demand and low supply then there may be greater willingness to invest this effort. Similarly, if the client is a large company who is very comfortable with the visa/work permit process, this may be a non issue for them whereas smaller or mid-size companies who haven't encountered this scenario before might be hesitant.

Finally, it is also a function of the immigration policy climate within the country. If the country is welcoming newcomers that will create a much more receptive situation for potential employers than one which is not.

Your best bet is to find an influencer who can lobby for you on your behalf to help overcome these uncertainties and fears in person with the hiring manager.

Kiron
It is a very positive response kiron. I appreciate.
avatar
OLUWASEUN ANIFOWOSHE PM II| Minaj Holdings Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria
Jan 09, 2020 7:10 AM
Replying to Joao Sarmento
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Work permits are always tricky issues... which applies to many countries and nationalities.

There are other countries were immigration laws might be more flexible for highly qualified professionals.

My suggestion goes to continue making yourself "irresistible" (training, certifications, hard skills, soft skills, languages, professional image, profile, etc.) so the hiring company doesn't mind going through the process if they see you a "must have" professional.
They are nice and lovely ideas to pursue. Thank you for the kind words.
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Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani Manager, Quality and Continuous Improvement| Hörmann-TNR Industrial Doors Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
I do agree with Kiron.
The employers generally follow simple and fast procedures rather than complicated ones. Obtaining a work permit/visa can and actually is a tricky process.
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Steve Ratkaj Ontario, Canada
Another option to pursue is possibly through employment agencies, who may have the ability/ desire to process the necessary paperwork. Are you considering immigrating to another country to pursue your work? If so, Canada is accepting many skilled immigrants, and if you speak French, it may be a bonus.
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1 reply by Kiron Bondale
Jan 09, 2020 10:12 AM
Kiron Bondale
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The only caveat I'll add to Steve's comments about Canada is you should ideally have a job or contract lined up before you arrive here. I've unfortunately had to mentor and advise many new comers in the greater Toronto area who arrived assuming that employers would be lining up to greet them and they received a cold (no pun intended as it is our Winter) reception for many months or even years.

Kiron
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Stéphane Parent Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker Prince Edward Island, Canada
Part of the problem, Oluwaseun, is the type of work permit.

I was managing a team of technical people for a New York HIX project. The TN work permits for my technicians were relatively straightforward and inexpensive. Because I was a manager, not a technician, I had to go for a management work permit (L1). That took a lot of work and cost a lot more, especially the legal fees.

That may be what you are experiencing. There isn't much you can do. The one thing you can do is to get is educational credential assessments ahead. Check for online ECA providers in the targeted country. Please note an ECA usually takes two months or more.

Good luck.
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Kiron Bondale Retired | Mentor| Retired Welland, Ontario, Canada
Jan 09, 2020 9:43 AM
Replying to Steve Ratkaj
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Another option to pursue is possibly through employment agencies, who may have the ability/ desire to process the necessary paperwork. Are you considering immigrating to another country to pursue your work? If so, Canada is accepting many skilled immigrants, and if you speak French, it may be a bonus.
The only caveat I'll add to Steve's comments about Canada is you should ideally have a job or contract lined up before you arrive here. I've unfortunately had to mentor and advise many new comers in the greater Toronto area who arrived assuming that employers would be lining up to greet them and they received a cold (no pun intended as it is our Winter) reception for many months or even years.

Kiron

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