BUSINESSDAY
At the fore of the mass outmigration trend in Nigeria today, many are willing to pay any price to ‘Japa’ out of the country no matter the destination.
Japa is a novel term used by Nigerians to describe the outmigration trend of Nigerians into Europe and other parts of the world.
For such Nigerians, a window of opportunity is now opened for them to move over to Hong Kong and fulfil their educational and career goals.
Recently Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, launched a vocational professionals admission scheme (VPAS) offering young people from around the world, vocational and professional education and training to meet their career goals.
According to Alaina Shum, the Vocational Training Council deputy executive director, VPAS welcomes non-local students to enrol in specifically designated full-time higher diploma programmes in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years, offered by the Vocational Training Council (VTC).
“English proficiency is a prerequisite for all higher diploma programmes, as English serves as the medium of instruction.
“To further support non-local students in their English Language development, VTC is launching an English Enhancement Programme, specifically designed to strengthen presentation skills, facilitate workplace discussions and expand workplace-related vocabulary.
“Our goal is to provide non-local students with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in a professional setting.”
In addition, Shum said; “We will provide training for our teaching facility and support services for students who require assistance. Depending on availability, VTC can offer accommodation at our dormitories, including the one in Tsing Yi district.”
She explained that graduates of the designated higher diploma programmes, regardless of their nationality, can apply for VPAS. “Successful applicants are eligible for a VPAS visa, permitting them to stay in Hong Kong for 12 months to actively pursue employment opportunities.
Within the VPAS framework, participants can seek an extension of their stay upon securing employment aligned with their academic specialisation.
During the initial four years of employment, VPAS participants are obliged to work in roles corresponding to their field of study,” she noted.
The deputy executive director further disclosed that upon completing seven consecutive years of residence in Hong Kong, which includes academic studies, job searching and a minimum of four years of full-time employment, VPAS participants become eligible to apply for permanent residency in the city of Hong Kong.
Besides, Shum highlighted the fact that VPAS applicants are required to possess senior secondary qualifications or their equivalent from their home countries.
