The United Kingdom is set to introduce tougher restrictions on visa applications from citizens of countries with high rates of visa overstays. These countries include Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. The UK Home Office has raised concerns over nationals from these countries overstaying their visas and later applying for asylum, which, if successful, allows them to stay permanently.
As a part of efforts to reform the country’s immigration system, the UK government is scrutinizing the visa applications from these nations more closely. An official spokesperson from the Home Office stated that upcoming changes would be outlined in the Immigration White Paper, set to be released soon. The paper will present a detailed plan to address what the government describes as a “broken” immigration system.
The UK authorities are focusing on individuals who enter the country on work or study visas and later claim asylum. The Home Office is intensifying its efforts to identify and address this trend more quickly by gathering intelligence on these individuals. They have made it clear that they will take action against any patterns that could undermine immigration rules.
These new restrictions could significantly impact Nigerian citizens, as the UK has already implemented stricter policies in recent years, particularly around student visas and work permits. These policies, introduced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have led to a substantial decrease in the number of Nigerian students applying to the UK. In fact, reports show that rejection rates for Nigerian visa applications increased from 1 in 31 in late 2022 to 1 in 8 by late 2023.
The financial burden of higher rejection rates and non-refundable fees has made it even more difficult for Nigerian applicants. Many have shifted their focus to the United States, but visa rejections there have also increased, adding to the uncertainty for those seeking opportunities abroad.
This tightening of visa policies comes amid growing calls from African economists for citizens of developing nations to focus on contributing to their home countries rather than seeking opportunities abroad. The Nigerian government, in particular, has seen a sharp decline in the number of visas issued, with a 63% drop compared to the previous year.
