Seven countries offering new visa, work, residency opportunities in 2026

As immigration policies evolve globally, several countries introduced visa, work-permit and residency reforms in 2026 that could create opportunities for eligible Nigerians. According to Vanguard, the reforms target skilled workers, labour shortages, tourism and regional mobility.

1. Canada: Introduced a new Express Entry category for medical doctors with Canadian work experience and reserved 5,000 spaces for provinces to nominate licensed doctors with job offers.
2. Russia: Launched a skilled-worker route offering eligible professionals temporary and, in some cases, permanent residence.
3. Ireland: Expanded employment-permit eligibility to 32 occupations, including healthcare, construction, transport and agri-food.
4. Lithuania: Approved a 24,706-worker foreign employment quota, although it was exhausted by September.
5. Spain: Introduced an extraordinary regularisation programme for eligible migrants already living in the country.
6. Ghana: Began free e-visa access for African nationals, including Nigerians, from May 25.
7. Togo: Removed entry-visa requirements for African passport holders from May 18.

The reforms do not guarantee entry, employment or residence, as applicants must still satisfy individual immigration requirements.