A Closer Look at the London Experience with Patrice Mugabe
Finding your new home and navigating the move with family
We have spent the last few weeks talking to global talent who have made that bold move to find new work and create new lives in countries offering talent visas. So far, we have covered topics such as:
Job Security with Luani Chibesakunda from Zambia
Visa Restrictions with Aliphine Tikolo from Kenya; and
Navigating the Cost of Living with Kofi Mensah from Ghana
This week, we delve into the nuances of relocating for work with Patrice Mugabe from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), especially when you are doing so with family.
Pursuing opportunities abroad is an exciting adventure that comes with its own set of unique challenges. These challenges multiply when it involves moving your entire family to a new country. A classic case in point is Patrice Mugabe, a data scientist from the DRC, who faced several obstacles when he moved to London, UK, especially concerning the move of his family and finding accommodation.
One primary concern that often accompanies global talent visa candidates is finding affordable housing in safe neighbourhoods. Cities like London are notoriously expensive, with the cost of accommodation sometimes amounting to a significant portion of one's salary; it is not recommended to spend more than 30% of your salary on rent. This financial strain can be overwhelming, especially for those who also have families to support.
Besides, settling down in a non-French-speaking country presented Patrice with additional cultural challenges. London is extremely multi-cultural and so there are many other French-speaking professionals in the city. However, Patrice had to be intentional about making those connections - especially with French-speaking agents that helped him find accommodation, explain the new rules, helped him find good and safe neighbourhoods with good schools, hospitals and transport links and outdoor spaces.
For people who do not have English as a first language, there are a number of services available. Networks like the one Kofi and Patrice are part of can connect visa candidates to vital resources like estate agents, financial advisors and removal companies who speak their language, helping them to manage the intricacies of life in their new country.
Interview with Patrice
W3A: “Patrice, salut"!
Patrice: “Salut. bonsoir! ça va”?
W3A: “All is well. All is well. Shall we get started”?
Patrice: “Absolutely”.
W3A: “Tell us about the challenges you faced when moving your family to London”?
Patrice: “Moving my family here was one of the easiest and yet, most difficult things I've done. Easy, because the opportunity I got in London was really. a dream come true and my wife; she was so happy. She wanted so much to live in London. She was pregnant at the time, so a lot of excitement.
W3A: ”Yes, I met her earlier. Lovely lady”.
Patrice: “Indeed. So, lots of excitement on the one hand. On the other, we experienced some issues. Apart from the complicated and lengthy visa process for my dependents, the high cost of living, especially housing, hit us quite hard initially.
W3A: “Could you expand on the accommodation challenges”?
Patrice: I was totally new here. I had some ideas about nice areas/not so nice areas, but it is not that easy in a city like London. Finding affordable housing in London is tough. I spent weeks researching, trying to balance safety, proximity to work and affordability. Let me tell you, the balance is precarious.
W3A: “Precarious”?
Patrice: It is just too long a story.
W3A: “OK. What about educational facilities”?
Patrice: “Good schools and education was a big concern for us. The quality and method of education here is different. We had to look for schools that could offer a smooth transition for our little one”.
W3A: “How did you overcome these challenges”?
Patrice: “I leaned on my network, especially folks like Kofi, who connected me to French-speaking financial professionals in the network - like agents, brokers, advisors, doctors and so many more. Yes I do speak English, but being able to speak to someone who understands your mother tongue makes things much much easier. They helped me a lot. They help me navigate with everyday things, like my referencing, making my offer, moving in, choosing the right area with good schools and essentially helped me set my life up here.
W3A: “Wow, that is nice. Any advice for people facing similar challenges”?
Patrice: “Absolutely. I cannot say this enough, but be intentional about building and utilising your network. Research extensively, ask the right questions and do not underestimate the power of financial planning. Also, one last thing: be prepared for cultural adjustments and keep an open mind.
Ten Key Takeaways
Research housing options before making the move.
Utilise your network to find financial advisors who speak your language.
Consider the educational needs of your children.
Prepare for a lengthy visa process for dependents.
Have contingency plans for unexpected financial strain.
Budget realistically, accounting for high living costs.
Understand local laws about renting and property ownership.
Learn some basics of the local language to navigate daily life.
Keep an open mind to adapt culturally.
Preplan your budget to include health and pension plans.
Join us at the next Web 3 Africa (W3A) Town Hall, where we will explore more Global Talent Visa opportunities and topics such as relocating family and accomodation.
Connect and learn from those who have walked the path, understand the intricacies and find the best fit for your dreams and ambitions. Together, let's explore global horizons!
Set your reminders and be part of the next Town Hall. Your international career awaits!
Resources for Real Estate, Mortgages, Banks & Pension Providers
Real Estate Companies
Mortgage Brokers
Banks
Pension Providers
By being prepared and utilising available resources, one can overcome many of the challenges associated with moving to a new country.