Approximately 430,000 visa applications by Nigerians have been approved this year in the United Kingdom, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery has revealed.
During the meeting with the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, he requested Nigerian applicants to apply directly and avoid intermediaries to prevent any issues, VisaGuide.World reports.
Despite the recent unrest in several cities in the UK, the High Commissioner stressed that he has ensured the safety and security of the large diaspora population of Nigerians. According to him, 60 special courts have been set up to deal with criminal activities related to such riots.
It also revealed that around 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence, with the government actively pursuing justice against those who incite unrest through hate and misinformation online.
The UK is home to people from diverse countries and races, and it will continue to welcome qualified individuals to live, study, and work. We will not accept discrimination or attacks against any community.
Nigerians Have Been Recommended to Avoid Traveling to UK Due to Safety Concerns
The Nigerian government issued a travel alert following violent demonstrations in the UK that erupted from the murder of three young girls at a concert.
The same advised its citizens to consider the advice to avoid possible dangers. During these riots in Manchester, Liverpool, Hull and Stoke, about 420 people were arrested by the UK police.
UK’s Guidelines for Nigerians to Apply for Seasonal Worker Visa
In May this year, the UK government opened applications for Nigerians and other nationals to apply for seasonal worker visas. At the same time, the country extended the seasonal worker visa for five years until 2029 to allow more immigrants.
It has also allocated 43,000 visas for migrant workers in horticulture and 2,000 visas for the poultry sector. The move will increase opportunities for 45,000 Nigerians and others to pursue their immigration goals.
However, UK Home Office data showed a 38 percent drop in study visas issued to Nigerians from March 2023 to March 2024. This reduction follows a January 2024 rule change that limits dependents to international students unless in research-focused graduate programs. The number of visas for Nigerians fell from 50,000 to 45,000 amid a broader six percent drop in visas for top applicants. Total emissions peaked in June 2023, but have fallen slightly since then.