The United Kingdom has issued approximately 300,000 new visas to Nigerians in the past two years, according to British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. He described the relationship between both nations as robust and mutually beneficial, particularly in the post-Brexit era.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Montgomery countered claims that UK immigration policies are harsh, emphasizing Nigeria’s significant role as a beneficiary of British visa policies.
“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 Nigeria has with any other country,” he said.
Post-Brexit Gains for Nigeria
Montgomery noted that Nigeria has been a “major beneficiary” of the UK’s migration and visa rules since Brexit. “The trends have been really positive post-Brexit,” he stated.
He highlighted the contributions of Nigerians in the UK, particularly in sectors like social care, where their roles have been “incredibly important.”
10% of UK Visas Issued to Nigerians
The High Commissioner revealed that Nigerians account for about 10% of all visas granted by the UK over the past two years, a figure he described as remarkable. “It outstrips any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with any other single country in my understanding,” he added.
High Approval Rates
Addressing concerns about visa approvals, Montgomery assured that applicants with proper documentation have a high chance of success.
“If you apply with the right documentation and the right evidence, the approval rate is very high,” he said.
Surge in Work Visas
The envoy also highlighted a sharp increase in work visas issued to Nigerians, noting that numbers have grown from about 10,000-20,000 annually a few years ago to 80,000-90,000 in the past two years.
While Montgomery acknowledged a dip in student visa numbers, he maintained that the overall visa relationship between Nigeria and the UK remains robust, reflecting strong ties between the two nations.
