The United Kingdom has granted approximately 300,000 visas to Nigerian citizens over the past few years, according to British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. This revelation contradicts claims of harsh immigration policies, with Montgomery emphasizing that the UK’s visa policies have been favorable to Nigerians.
Montgomery described the relationship between Nigeria and the UK as robust, highlighting Nigeria’s significant role as a beneficiary of the UK’s post-Brexit migration policies. He noted that the number of work visas granted to Nigerians has increased substantially, from 10,000-20,000 annually a few years ago to 80,000-90,000 in recent years .
The UK’s visa approval rate remains high for applicants with proper documentation and evidence. However, Montgomery acknowledged a decline in the number of Nigerian students studying in the UK. Despite this, he underscored the strong ties between the two nations, which surpass Nigeria’s visa relationships with other countries .
In fact, Nigerians account for approximately 10% of all visas issued by the UK in the past two years. Montgomery emphasized the vital contributions of Nigerians in the UK, particularly in sectors such as social care.
This development highlights the UK’s commitment to fostering a strong relationship with Nigeria, despite concerns about immigration policies. As Montgomery stated, “The trends have been really positive post-Brexit. Nigeria has been a major beneficiary of the post-Brexit migration visa rules”.
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