Previously considered unskilled or routine labor, caregiving is rapidly becoming one of the most essential and sought-after fields globally.
With populations aging and chronic health issues becoming increasingly prevalent, the worldwide need for skilled caregivers has surged. This transformation has elevated what was previously an undervalued profession into a prestigious and financially rewarding career choice for many people around the globe, particularly throughout Africa and the developing nations.
Around 300 million additional caregiving positions are expected globally by 2035, as stated in a recent report from the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC). Specialists observe that population aging is fueling this requirement; for instance, Japan will require approximately 2.72 million caregivers by 2040. The Japanese Ministry of Health reports that they need around 2.4 million caregivers by 2026, resulting in a shortage of roughly 250,000 workers. Meanwhile, in Singapore, an estimated 210,000 family members providing care find themselves struggling to cope with the demands of elderly relatives. Throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the surge in demand for caretaking roles highlights a critical personnel deficit.
In Western economies, the situation mirrors this trend. In the UK, persistent shortfalls have been observed; according to Community Care, there were an unprecedented 164,000 vacant positions in adult social care in 2022. This issue stems from the fact that caregivers in the UK receive modest pay (with median earnings around £11 per hour in 2024), barely exceeding the national living wage, which complicates efforts to attract candidates. Similarly, Germany also grapples with inadequacies; their administration has classified jobs in nursing and elderly care as areas facing workforce shortages, extending their Blue Card program to encompass these professionals. A study indicated that fewer than 35 applications are submitted for every 100 job postings within the caregiving sector in Germany. To address this challenge, Germany is actively recruiting overseas nurses and implementing special visa provisions for those entering the field of care work.
In North America, demand is increasing rapidly. The United States direct care sector is experiencing the most rapid growth, with projections indicating an addition of more than one million positions between 2021 and 2031, as reported by the U.S. National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. Similarly, Canada also confronts staffing shortfalls; the Canadian government’s Job Bank indicates a “high probability of shortage” for live-in caregivers up until at least 2033. As a result, starting January 2024, Canada has reintroduced caregiver immigration programs, reducing eligibility criteria—now requiring only twelve months of work experience—and providing pathways to permanent residency specifically aimed at those working in home child-care or personal support roles.
These worldwide tendencies offer numerous international prospects, particularly for Nigerian and African caregiving professionals. Over the years, Nigeria has been a significant exporter of healthcare personnel overseas; between 2002 and 2021, around 60,700 Nigerian nurses relocated to the United Kingdom in search of improved compensation and job security. Currently, skilled caregivers from Africa can capitalize on this external demand through various immigration programs. For instance, up until mid-2024, the UK’s Health and Care Worker visa served as a pathway to secure positions within the care sector, although applications dropped dramatically with only 27,174 visas granted in 2024—a reduction of about 81 percent compared to the previous year. In addition, Canada initiated new five-year pilot projects under its Home Care Worker program starting in 2024, which enables certified caregivers along with their family members to relocate and apply for permanent residency status. Similarly, Germany’s Skilled Migration Law lists “Pflegekräfte” (professional carers) among professions facing shortages, thereby providing them access to an EU Blue Card regardless of whether they hold a university degree. Hence, equipped with appropriate qualifications and linguistic abilities, African caregivers stand well-positioned to meet these urgent staffing needs across different regions.
Nigerian caregivers acknowledge that working overseas comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. A 34-year-old woman from Nigeria, who moved to the UK as a support worker, shares her experience: “In Nigeria, I worked as a caregiver, a field I’ve always been passionate about. However, the compensation wasn’t sufficient to make ends meet.” Now employed in the UK, she earns between £2,000-£2,500 monthly, enabling her to save money, assist her family back home, and look ahead to the future. Despite finding the role physically and emotionally taxing, she finds satisfaction in making others’ lives better, stating, “There are certainly fulfilling aspects…knowing you’ve helped ease someone’s burdens even slightly.” Such testimonials underscore why numerous Nigerian caregivers aspire to relocate due to the evident economic and occupational benefits available abroad.
UK Visa Change Triggers Sector Protest
The United Kingdom’s choice to terminate care worker visas starting from May 2025 has sparked concern within the caregiving sector. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the initiative facilitated “unacceptably high rates of exploitation,” adding that emphasis should now shift towards recruiting locally instead. However, numerous health-care organizations and labor unions have expressed worries that this move might exacerbate staff shortages. According to reports published by Pan-Atlantic Kompass digital magazine, UNISON—the biggest trade union in Britain—contends that eliminating foreign caregivers could severely undermine the entire field.
Despite the inconsistent approach to immigration policies, caregivers often face harsh remarks such as those from Kemi Badenoch, the head of the UK’s Conservative Party. She recently described caregiving work as merely “cleaning bottoms” during a political gathering. This statement drew criticism from various quarters, including medical professionals and politicians who deemed her comments both insulting and detrimental, particularly considering how crucial immigrant workers are to this field. As Dr. Rachel Clarke emphasized in a tweet, these positions aren’t just essential—they’re indispensable.
Emerging Possibilities in Ireland and the European Union
While the UK closes its borders, Ireland along with various European Union nations are moving forward to lure migrant caregivers. In 2023, Ireland included healthcare assistants on its Critical Skills Occupation List, facilitating easier employer sponsorship for these professionals. By offering increased salaries and clearer immigration routes, Ireland aims to draw talent from places such as Nigeria, India, and the Philippines.
In the meantime, countries like Germany, France, Sweden, Austria, and even Finland are broadening their efforts to recruit caregivers through specialized shortage occupation visa initiatives. The Skill Qualification Law in Germany has been designed to simplify both professional certification processes and visa procedures. Certain areas also provide government-supported German language courses along with introductory sessions for prospective caregivers. Meanwhile, Denmark is implementing pilot programs aimed at bringing in caregivers from Africa and Southeast Asia via collaborations between public entities and private companies.
For workers from Nigeria and Africa, this change in policy opens up new pathways into Europe, particularly via Ireland and Germany, as entry into Britain has become more difficult.
Education and Credentials for Care Providers
Various certifications and trainings are acknowledged worldwide for caregivers. In the United Kingdom, NVQ Levels 2 and 3 (National Vocational Qualification Diploma in Health & Social Care) serve as basic qualifications for care assistants and support staff. Within the U.S., typical credentials include those of a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Similarly, Canada offers regional Personal Support Worker (PSW) certification. Additionally, both nationally and internationally, CPR and first aid training hold significant value, along with instruction in areas such as manual handling and safeguarding practices.
An internationally respected qualification is the OSHAISHM Master Caregiver Certification. This extensive program was created in collaboration with the OSHA Institute for Safety and Health Management and encompasses fundamental caregiving principles with a significant emphasis on safety, according to information from panatlantic.org. The coursework includes support for activities of daily living, adherence to OSHA health and safety guidelines, nutritional guidance, medication administration, along with CPR and First Aid training. Participants engage in practical sessions followed by evaluations prior to obtaining their certification. Notably, it’s endorsed by OSHAISHM—a United States-based organization focused on safety management—ensuring alignment with global safety benchmarks. Possessing an OSHAISHM Master Caregiver certificate indicates superior abilities and professional expertise; globally, it serves as proof of proficient, secure care provision. For caregivers based in Africa looking at opportunities overseas, these certifications can enhance job prospects and remuneration levels, setting them apart within demanding international sectors.
With worldwide demand for caregivers exceeding availability, the sector presents both exciting prospects and significant hurdles. Statistics reveal unprecedented shortages of caregiving staff alongside growing numbers of patients, prompting numerous nations to seek professionals internationally. This situation opens up concrete avenues for Nigerian and African healthcare providers seeking profitable employment beyond their borders. Providing them with appropriate education, linguistic skills, and recognized qualifications remains crucial.
The sustained expansion of the sector hinges on recognizing the worth of care workers’ efforts—a point highlighted by the latest caregiver shortage in the UK—and enhancing their compensation and working environments to make caregiving an attractive and viable profession for both locals and individuals from abroad.
‘Dotun Akintomide, who works as an EdTech specialist and media manager, contributes this piece from Lagos.’
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