Migrating abroad often comes with high expectations and even higher responsibilities, especially for many young Nigerians seeking better opportunities in Europe.
For Rolake, who left Nigeria for Luxembourg in 2021, the journey was smoother than most — but not without challenges.
Rolake relocated to Luxembourg shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of her brother, who assisted her in securing a work visa.
This enabled her to land a job in accounting — a feat she credits to Luxembourg’s then-open immigration policy, driven by a demand for skilled workers.
“I moved in 2021, right after COVID. Luxembourg was hiring and open to African workers. I was fortunate to get a work visa and an accounting job,” she said in an interview with Vanguard.
Though she initially stayed with her brother, her earnings soon gave her the financial independence to rent her own place — a two-room apartment costing €2,000 monthly, plus utilities.
Yet, as she tried to settle into life in Western Europe, a familiar challenge followed her across the continent: the financial obligation to support loved ones back home, often referred to as the “black tax.”
The term “black tax” refers to the unspoken pressure on African migrants to send money to family members back home — from parents and siblings to extended relatives.
While it’s often seen as a cultural responsibility, Rolake describes it as a major economic hindrance.
“This expectation of always sending money home limits our ability to build and grow. But it’s hard to ignore when people you care about are in need,” she explained.
On average, Rolake sends between ₦500,000 to ₦800,000 back to Nigeria every month. Despite her efforts to cut back on remittances in order to pursue personal goals, she finds herself constantly responding to requests for help.
“Even with the extra expenses for language classes and driving school, I still find myself sending money home. I’m just not someone who can say no easily,” she admitted.
To keep up with the demands, she took on a side hustle. On weekends, she travels to neighboring Germany to work as a hairstylist, making anywhere between €50 and €200 per client depending on their location and financial status.
“I’m satisfied with my accounting job, but I still work on weekends. I make hair for people in both Luxembourg and Germany. That’s actually the money I send home — not my main salary,” she revealed.
In an effort to reduce her financial strain, Rolake’s husband and children recently joined her in Luxembourg in November 2024 — a move she hopes will ease the pressure and allow her to focus on building a better future for her family.
