ABUJA, Nigeria — The British High Commission in Nigeria has reiterated its support for legal migration and legitimate travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, amid mounting concerns over possible changes to UK visa regulations for Nigerian citizens.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, a spokesperson for the Commission said the UK immigration system is “kept under constant review” to maintain a balance between facilitating lawful entry and deterring abuse.
“We keep our immigration system under constant review to allow legal migration and legitimate travel, while deterring those who may seek to abuse it,” the Commission stated.
The statement comes on the heels of a Times report suggesting that the UK Home Office is considering stricter visa policies for citizens of Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The proposed restrictions reportedly target countries with high rates of visa overstays and asylum claims.
Though the High Commission did not directly confirm or deny the proposed policy changes, it reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people ties between the UK and Nigeria.
“Our UK and Nigeria people-to-people links are strong and enduring, and we continue to work closely with the Government of Nigeria to tackle irregular migration,” the spokesperson added.
Recent data suggests a tightening of UK immigration policy for Nigerians.
In 2024, the visa rejection rate for Nigerian applicants rose sharply — from 1 in 31 in 2022 to 1 in 8 by the end of 2023 — resulting in a 63 percent drop in visas issued to Nigerian nationals.
Nigerian students, in particular, have faced reduced post-study opportunities and stricter dependent policies, prompting many to consider alternative destinations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The High Commission urged individuals seeking clarification to contact its Press and Public Affairs team, and thanked the public for its cooperation in addressing migration challenges.
