UK considers tighter visa rules for Nigerians, Pakistanis

The United Kingdom is considering new immigration measures that could make it harder for citizens of Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to obtain visas, citing high rates of overstays and subsequent asylum claims.

According to information first published by The Times on Tuesday, the UK Home Office is preparing to introduce stricter visa policies targeting nationalities identified as having a greater likelihood of remaining in the country beyond the terms of their visas.

In recent years there has been a surge in the number of Nigerians relocating abroad in search of greener pastures, a phenomenon now popularly known as japa in Nigeria.

UK authorities say a pattern of individuals arriving on work or study permits and later seeking asylum triggered the proposed restrictions.

A spokesperson for the Home Office confirmed that a forthcoming Immigration White Paper will outline steps to reform the system.

“Our upcoming Immigration White Paper will set out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system,”

“To tackle abuse by foreign nationals who arrive on work and study visas and go on to claim asylum, we are building intelligence on the profile of these individuals to identify them earlier and faster.

“We keep the visa system under constant review and where we detect trends, which may undermine our immigration rules, we will not hesitate to take action,” the spokesperson said.

The paper, expected later this month, will also outline a broader plan aimed at restoring order to what the government calls a “broken” immigration system.

In recent years, Nigerian applicants have faced tighter visa rules, including restrictions on bringing dependents and reduced post-study work opportunities.

As a result, student visa applications from Nigeria have significantly declined, and many are now looking to alternative destinations, including the United States, where visa policies have also become more restrictive.

Data from 2024 revealed a sharp rise in UK visa rejections for Nigerians, with the rejection rate increasing from one in 31 applications in 2022 to one in eight by late 2023.

This has led to a 63 percent drop in UK visas issued to Nigerian nationals over the past year.

Full details of the UK’s proposed immigration changes are expected to be made public later in May.