NEWS DIGEST– In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, disclosed that the United Kingdom issued a staggering 132,000 visas to Nigerians in the first half of this year. This announcement highlights the growing number of Nigerians seeking opportunities in the UK and sheds light on the importance of adhering to legal immigration processes.
While Mr. Baxter was unable to provide the precise number of applications received during this period, he emphasized that the visas granted encompassed various categories such as visit, work, and study visas. Comparatively, in the previous full year, the UK issued a total of 324,000 visas to Nigerians, constituting roughly 10% of the three million visas issued worldwide.
Of notable significance is the increasing number of Nigerian students in the UK, second only to India. Recognizing the value of this educational exchange, Mr. Baxter expressed the UK’s welcoming attitude towards Nigerian students and residents, emphasizing the importance of following legal procedures and respecting the country’s regulations.
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Regarding recent policy changes, Mr. Baxter explained that adjustments in the rules for students bringing dependents were deemed necessary due to an international challenge. He cited the exponential rise in the number of dependents accompanying Nigerian students, from 1,500 in 2019 to a staggering 52,000 by 2022/2023. This surge compelled the UK to assess and modify its policies to address the changing landscape.
It is crucial to note that the policy changes are not intended to discourage Nigerian students from pursuing opportunities in the UK. On the contrary, the UK values the presence of Nigerian students and residents as long as they go through legal channels. The new policy adjustments are slated to commence in January 2024, to manageensurelux of dependents and ensure a balanced system.
The granting of a record number of visas to Nigerians reflects the UK’s commitment to building strong bilateral ties and promoting educational exchanges. As both nations navigate the evolving landscape of immigration, it becomes imperative to maintain a focus on legal routes and uphold the integrity of the immigration system.
