The UK Home Office is under fire after rejecting a visit visa for a Nigerian security entrepreneur and his family, prompting accusations of racial bias and unjust immigration practices.
According to The Guardian, Samuel Onyekachi Ibeawuchi, who runs BKay Security Ltd, applied to visit the UK with his wife and 18-month-old child for a three-week family holiday. Despite offering full documentation and sponsorship by his sister, Hope Ibeawuchi-Beales, and her husband Nick Beales, the visa was denied.
The Home Office stated the couple failed to prove they would leave the UK after their visit. The official letter questioned Samuel’s self-employment status, even though he submitted his company’s registration documents. The rejection also indicated that future applications may also be denied.
Ibeawuchi’s firm, BKay Security Ltd, has provided personal protection for high-profile individuals, including former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, UK and US politicians, celebrities, and footballers like Alex Iwobi.
Nick Beales, campaigns head at migrant support charity Ramfel, criticized the decision as part of a wider trend. “There’s no doubt that the UK government refused these visa applications as part of their overtly racist crackdown on Nigerians,” he said. “Had we applied a year ago, I believe the visas would’ve been approved.”
Hope Ibeawuchi-Beales expressed her frustration with the decision, stating their children were eagerly waiting to meet their cousin. “I’ve previously sponsored several family members who came and returned without issues. I don’t believe the invite letter was even read,” she said.
Samuel Ibeawuchi expressed his disappointment, saying, “We do not want to stay in the UK, just to come here to visit our family for three weeks.” The family had provided photos and plans showing their intention to return to Nigeria after the visit.
A Home Office spokesperson responded that each application is assessed individually based on the evidence provided. “If an application is refused, the reasons are clearly explained,” the spokesperson added.
Applicants may reapply, addressing the concerns raised in the refusal notice. In this case, financial circumstances were among the reasons cited for the denial.
Article updated 4 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
