UK To Tighten Visa Rules For Nigerians Over Rising Overstays
The United Kingdom is set to tighten visa rules for citizens of Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The move comes as the UK government raises alarm over rising visa overstays and asylum claims from these countries.
According to The Times, the UK Home Office is droughting new immigration measures. These are expected to be unveiled in a white paper later this month.
Officials say the new policies will target individuals who arrive on study or work visas but later seek asylum. This pattern has become more common, particularly among Nigerians.
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed the development. “We are reviewing the system to stop abuse,” the spokesperson said. “We’re gathering intelligence to detect these cases early.”
The new strategy is part of a broader plan to fix what the government calls a “broken” immigration system. It will include tougher checks and efforts to prevent misuse of visa pathways.
Nigerians have already faced tougher rules in recent years. These include limits on bringing dependents and fewer opportunities after graduation. As a result, many students are now looking elsewhere.
Read Also:Pantami Foundation Aids Gombe Easter Victims
Visa rejection rates have also spiked. In 2022, one in 31 Nigerian applications was denied. By the end of 2023, that figure rose to one in eight.
Overall, UK visas issued to Nigerians dropped by 63% last year. This decline reflects growing concerns from British authorities about immigration compliance.
The trend also affects the popular “japa” movement, where many Nigerians seek better lives abroad. With the UK tightening its borders, many are now considering other countries, including the United States—though its policies are also getting stricter.
The full details of the UK’s new visa rules are expected before the end of May.
Content Credit | Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
Image Credit | arbiterz.com
