Britain pledges to work with Nigeria on new immigration rules
The British High Commission in Nigeria has stated that it will engage with appropriate federal government partners once the implementation details of the UK’s newly announced immigration reforms are clarified.
This follows the UK government’s release of a White Paper on Monday, which outlines significant changes to its immigration policies.
Key measures in the proposed reforms include the discontinuation of the social care work visa route, an extended path to settlement for migrants, a reduced duration for the graduate visa, and the introduction of mandatory English language tests for dependents.
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Although the exact timeline for implementation has not yet been disclosed, the British High Commission has sought to reassure Nigerians of the ongoing strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
The UK enjoys strong, long-standing people-to-people links with Nigeria. We are proud that the UK is still considered a top destination for Nigerians to work, study, visit, and settle, and value the contribution this brings to the UK, a spokesperson said in a statement.
The Commission further explained that the reforms are intended to bring greater order, control, and fairness to the immigration system, reduce net migration, and support economic growth.
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It emphasized that the changes will be implemented gradually and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to maintaining an open and cooperative relationship with Nigerian authorities.
This clarification follows recent concerns over reports that the UK might limit visa applications from countries with higher rates of overstaying, with Nigeria reportedly among those mentioned.
Despite these concerns, the High Commission reiterated the strong and lasting ties between Nigeria and the UK, describing Britain as a globally engaged nation that values diversity and welcomes international talent.
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