The British High Commission in Nigeria has moved to address growing concerns regarding changes to the United Kingdom’s visa policies. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting legal migration and legitimate travel, while continuing efforts to combat immigration abuse.
The clarification comes amid increasing speculation that the UK government is considering stricter visa measures for nationals from countries like Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These concerns were sparked by reports in the media, with The Times publishing an article on Tuesday that suggested the UK was preparing to introduce tougher immigration measures. The report claimed the Home Office was focused on nationalities that have shown a higher tendency to overstay visas or make asylum claims.
In a statement released by the British High Commission on Wednesday, a spokesperson highlighted that the UK immigration system is constantly reviewed to balance the needs for legal migration with the goal of deterring abuse. “We keep our immigration system under constant review to allow legal migration and legitimate travel, while deterring those who may seek to abuse it,” the spokesperson said.
The commission also highlighted the importance of UK-Nigeria ties, describing them as strong and enduring. The spokesperson reiterated that the UK and Nigerian governments work closely together to address the challenges of irregular migration, noting that people-to-people links between both nations remain vital.
The statement urged Nigerians to reach out to the High Commission’s Press and Public Affairs team for more information about immigration matters. The Commission also thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation in dealing with migration issues.
The news of possible changes to UK visa rules came after reports pointed out that Nigerian applicants have faced increasingly restrictive visa policies in recent years. These changes have included limits on dependents and fewer opportunities for post-study work. Consequently, many Nigerian students have started looking for alternatives, with some opting to study in countries like the United States, which also has more stringent visa policies.
Recent data indicates a sharp rise in UK visa rejections for Nigerians. In 2024, the rejection rate increased significantly, with 1 in 8 visa applications being denied by late 2023, compared to 1 in 31 in 2022. This spike in rejections has led to a 63 percent decline in the number of UK visas issued to Nigerians over the past year, as more applicants seek options in other countries.
Despite the challenges, the British High Commission has reassured Nigerians that it continues to prioritize legitimate travel and migration. However, it remains committed to combating visa abuse while ensuring that those who wish to visit or move to the UK legally are given the opportunity to do so.
As the discussions around visa policies continue, it remains clear that both Nigeria and the UK are working together to ensure that migration remains legal and orderly, while addressing concerns about overstays and asylum claims.
