In the past, UK authorities indicated intentions to restrict visa approvals from countries such as Nigeria, citing concerns over high rates of visa overstays.

The British High Commission has revealed its intention to collaborate closely with the Nigerian government on the rollout of newly proposed UK immigration reforms outlined in a recently published white paper.

These changes, designed to lower net migration and tighten visa regulations, involve eliminating the social care work visa, introducing stricter requirements for the graduate visa route, and lengthening the process for obtaining permanent residency.

Although the UK has not yet provided a specific timeline for implementation, the British High Commission assured that Nigeria would be kept informed as more information becomes available.

“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,” the Commission said in a statement on Monday, May 12.

The High Commission noted that it would engage with “relevant partners in the Federal Government of Nigeria” once implementation details are confirmed, underlining the importance of maintaining bilateral cooperation.

The UK’s white paper outlines an overhaul of legal migration policy, pledging to “restore order, control, and fairness” to a system that saw net migration surge to 906,000 in 2023, before declining to 728,000 by mid-2024.

Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Labour government has pledged to significantly cut immigration figures in response to mounting pressure from anti-immigration groups.

Earlier, UK officials had indicated intentions to curb visa approvals for countries such as Nigeria, where high rates of visa overstays have raised concerns.

Despite the policy shift, the High Commission reaffirmed the UK’s global outlook: “We have a proud tradition as an outward-looking nation... welcoming the creativity, ideas, and diversity of those who come to contribute here.”