The UK government is planning to impose stricter visa application rules on nationals from countries with high overstay rates, including Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. According to Times, these changes are being driven by concerns over foreign nationals who overstay their visas and later apply for asylum, which allows them to remain in the country permanently.
The Home Office is targeting these nations due to patterns of visa abuse, with some individuals arriving on work or study visas only to seek asylum afterward. “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,” a Home Office spokesperson stated. The UK’s new immigration plan will outline actions to address these issues and restore order to the system.
The tightening of visa rules has already affected Nigerian nationals, with student visa rejections increasing significantly in recent years. In fact, the rejection rate for Nigerian applicants rose sharply from one in 31 applications in late 2022 to one in eight by late 2023. This trend has led to a 63% decrease in the number of visas issued to Nigerians, creating significant challenges for those trying to study or work in the UK.
As the UK faces increasing pressure to control immigration, many Nigerians have shifted their focus to other countries, including the US. However, with similar visa restrictions being implemented there as well, options are narrowing.
The financial burden on applicants is also growing, as many face non-refundable visa fees along with higher rejection rates. This has placed additional stress on individuals seeking opportunities abroad. Despite these hurdles, some experts are urging citizens of developing nations to focus on contributing to their home countries’ development rather than pursuing visas elsewhere.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
