UK to collaborate with Nigeria on immigration policy changes
The British High Commission has affirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government on upcoming changes to the United Kingdom’s immigration policies.
In a statement released on Monday, the commission said it would engage relevant federal authorities once the implementation details of the UK’s newly released immigration white paper are finalized.
The UK government had earlier unveiled the white paper, which outlines significant revisions to the immigration system. Among the proposed changes are the discontinuation of the social care work visa, stricter English language requirements for dependants, a longer pathway to settlement, and a reduced time limit for the graduate visa route.
While the timeline for these changes remains unclear, the British High Commission emphasized the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the UK, noting the valuable contributions Nigerians make to British society.
“The UK enjoys strong, long-standing people-to-people links with Nigeria,” the commission’s spokesperson said. “We are proud that the UK remains a top destination for Nigerians to work, study, visit, and settle.”
The commission also reiterated that the reforms aim to bring fairness and control to the UK’s legal migration system while promoting economic growth.
Earlier this month, reports suggested that the UK might impose visa restrictions on countries with high rates of overstaying, with Nigeria mentioned among the potentially affected nations.
Despite this, the British High Commission assured that the UK remains an open and outward-looking country, welcoming those who contribute positively to its society.
