British Government: Reasons for the Rise in Nigerian Visa Requests

The number of Nigerians asking for visas to the UK has surged recently, according to Catriona Laing, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Laing said this while participating in the News Agency of Nigeria Forum on Sunday in Abuja.

However, she pointed out that the UK government was aware of the circumstance and was in communication with the Nigerian government to prevent brain-drain, particularly in the health sector.

The UK is prepared to accept talents, the high commissioner said, adding that she was pleased that Nigerians, particularly students, now find the UK to be an appealing destination.

Obviously, there are individuals of Nigerian descent in the UK. People like to go to places where they have friends or relatives. Second, it is undoubtedly made much simpler by the English language.

“Education comes in third, and those who have studied will desire to do it again. And I believe you understand that we are a friendly nation and that we want to welcome talents, whether they are coming to work or study.

Therefore, many Nigerians will be watching events in the UK, and we have actually noticed a significant increase in requests for student visas for Nigerians. That is partially due to the fact that we modified our policy.

As a result, it is now simpler for Nigerian students to stay in the country after completing their studies. If they have completed a master’s or PhD, they may stay for up to two years, which will allow them to look for employment.

Right now, there is a labor shortage in the UK. However, we need to strike a balance because you also need talented people, and we don’t want to be the cause of a massive brain-drain from Nigeria.

So, Laing said, “the health sector is one example where there are many Nigerian medical professionals, both nurses and physicians in the National Health Service.”

Laing explained that the UK was working with Rwanda to improve migration when asked why it was sending asylum seekers there.