In a move aimed at reforming its immigration system, the United Kingdom is poised to impose restrictions on visa applications from countries whose nationals are most likely to overstay their visas.
According to a recent report by the Times, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka have been identified as the primary nations affected by these potential changes.
The Home Office has noted that nationals from these countries frequently overstay their visas and subsequently request asylum, a process that allows them to live permanently in the UK if successful. As a result, tighter restrictions may soon be introduced for work or study visa applications from these nations.
A Home Office spokesperson stated, “Our upcoming Immigration White Paper will lay out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system. To address abuses by foreign nationals who arrive on work and study visas only to pursue asylum, we are developing intelligence on individual profiles to expedite their identification.”
The spokesperson continued, “We constantly review the visa system, and when we identify trends that may undermine our immigration rules, we will not hesitate to take action.”
Details of the government’s plans are expected to be unveiled in the Immigration White Paper, scheduled for release later this month.
Tougher Visa Restrictions for Nigerians
Nigerians, in particular, have felt the brunt of recent UK immigration reforms over the past two years, predominantly concerning student visas, work permits, and visa approvals. Following stringent measures on dependents and post-study work opportunities introduced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, applications for international students from Nigeria have significantly declined.
As opportunities in the UK diminish, many Nigerian nationals are turning to the United States as an alternative destination. However, with recent strict measures implemented by the U.S. administration, students with valid visas face an increased risk of deportation if deemed not aligned with the country’s interests.
A report from 2024 revealed a dramatic rise in Nigerian visa rejection rates for the UK, escalating from approximately 1 in 31 applications in late 2022 to 1 in 8 by late 2023. Consequently, the issuance of visas to Nigerians plummeted by 63% compared to the previous year.
Adding to the challenges faced by Nigerian applicants are the financial strains of non-refundable fees coupled with soaring rejection rates, further complicating the pathway to securing a visa. Last year, it was reported that the British government garnered over N40 billion in processing fees from Nigerian nationals between June 2023 and June 2024.
In light of these developments, African economists and development experts are advocating for greater resilience among citizens of developing nations. They urge individuals to prioritize contributing to their home countries’ growth instead of seeking opportunities abroad, emphasizing that sustainable progress can be achieved through active participation in local development.
As the UK prepares to roll out these new visa regulations, the spotlight remains on the broader implications for immigration policy and the experiences of those navigating these challenging systems.