Applications for visas from countries whose nationals are most likely to overstay authorized stays may be restricted by the UK.
The Home Office identified them as Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Pakistan, as first reported by the Times.
According to the research, their citizens overstay their visas and then apply for asylum.
Applicants who are granted asylum are permitted to stay in the nation indefinitely.
The Home Office stated that as a result, people would encounter more stringent limitations while attempting to work or study in the United Kingdom.
A Home Office official stated, “We will lay out a plan to bring order back to our broken immigration system in our upcoming Immigration White Paper.”
We are developing intelligence on the characteristics of foreign people who arrive on work and study visas and then seek asylum in order to combat misuse by these persons.
We continuously monitor the system, and we will take appropriate action if we see patterns that could compromise our regulations.
“Our forthcoming Immigration White Paper will outline a strategy to bring order back to our dysfunctional immigration system as part of our change plan.”
Over the past two years, Nigerians have been greatly impacted by the UK’s immigration reform proposals, particularly with regard to work permits, student visas, and visa applications.
International student applications to the UK have sharply decreased since previous Prime Minister Rishi Sunak implemented stricter regulations on dependents and post-study employment prospects.
The US has been a popular destination for Nigerians, but even that choice is no longer viable.
Additionally, President Donald Trump has tightened restrictions, warning that even students with legitimate visas may be deported if the United States determines they are not in its best interests.
According to a 2024 report, the percentage of Nigerian visa applicants denied entry to the UK increased from one in 31 in late 2022 to one in eight by late 2023.
As a result, there were 63% fewer visas granted to Nigerians than the year before.
Pressure on Nigerian applicants has increased due to the financial strain of non-refundable fees and greater rejection rates.
The British government made almost N40 billion processing visas for Nigerians between June 2023 and the same month in 2024, according to a study published by TheCable last year.
African development experts and economists have advised people in underdeveloped countries to stay in their countries and help them grow instead of leaving for better opportunities overseas.
Also Read:
