Immigration: UK government to consult Nigeria on new visa rules

The British High Commission in Nigeria has said it will engage with relevant partners in the federal government once implementation details of the UK’s new immigration reforms are made available.

This follows the release of a White Paper by the UK government on Monday, outlining sweeping changes to the immigration system.

The new policy includes ending the social care work visa route, imposing a longer settlement path for migrants, shortening the graduate visa period, and introducing mandatory English language tests for dependants.

While the exact timeline for implementation is yet to be announced, the British High Commission has moved to reassure Nigerians of the continued strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.

In its statement, the British High Commission said: “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 UK White Paper sets out reforms to legal migration, including restoring order, control and fairness to the system, bringing down net migration and promoting economic growth.

“Changes to the system will happen over a period of time, and we will engage with relevant partners in the Federal Government of Nigeria once more information about implementation details are available.

“We have a proud tradition as an outward-looking nation, investing and trading abroad and welcoming the creativity, ideas and diversity of those who come to contribute here,” it said.