The United Kingdom has issued approximately 300,000 visas to Nigerians in recent years, according to British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.
He emphasized that the relationship between the two countries remains strong, with Nigeria being one of the biggest beneficiaries of the UK’s post-Brexit migration policies.
Montgomery refuted claims of harsh visa policies, asserting that the UK’s approach has been very favorable to Nigerians.
He explained in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily that the UK’s visa relationship with Nigeria is one of the most significant, surpassing any other country’s visa relations with Nigeria.
“The UK has granted around 300,000 new visas to Nigerians over the past few years, which is far more than any other country has granted to Nigeria,” Montgomery stated, adding that the trends have been particularly positive since Brexit.
“Nigeria has been a major beneficiary of the UK’s post-Brexit visa policies,” he noted.
Montgomery pointed out that the number of work visas granted to Nigerians has increased dramatically, from 10,000-20,000 annually a few years ago to 80,000-90,000 in recent years.
Despite this, he acknowledged a decline in the number of Nigerian students studying in the UK.
The High Commissioner also highlighted the significant role Nigerians play in the UK, particularly in sectors like social care, and noted that Nigerians account for about 10% of all UK visas issued over the past two years.
Montgomery reassured Nigerians that the UK visa approval rate remains high for applicants who submit the correct documentation and evidence, and emphasized that the UK’s visa relationship with Nigeria is one of the strongest globally.
