The United Kingdom has issued approximately 300,000 visas to Nigerians over recent years, according to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.
Montgomery emphasized the strength of the UK-Nigeria relationship, highlighting that Nigeria has been a significant beneficiary of the UK’s post-Brexit migration policies.
Addressing concerns over claims of strict immigration rules, Montgomery pointed out that the UK has granted a substantial number of visas to Nigerians.
“I have to contest this picture because the UK in the last couple of years has granted around 300,000 new visas to Nigerians, which far exceeds any other visa relationship which Nigeria has with any other country,” he remarked during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.
He noted that the trends have been positive since Brexit, with Nigeria being one of the top beneficiaries of the UK’s new visa policies.
“The number of work visas granted to Nigerians has increased significantly, rising from 10,000–20,000 annually a few years ago to 80,000–90,000 in recent years,” Montgomery explained. He also acknowledged a decline in the number of Nigerian students, but stressed the overall growth in work visas.
Montgomery praised Nigerians for their contributions to various sectors in the UK, particularly social care, where their roles are considered essential.
He further revealed that Nigerians now account for about 10 per cent of all visas issued by the UK over the past two years.
“So, I would like to emphasise how huge the relationship is. It outstrips any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with any other single country in my understanding,” he added.
The High Commissioner reassured those interested in applying for UK visas that the approval rate remains high for individuals with proper documentation.
While he acknowledged a decrease in Nigerian students, Montgomery reaffirmed the strong ties between Nigeria and the UK, which he believes surpass any other visa relationship Nigeria shares with other nations.
