The United Kingdom has granted approximately 300,000 new visas to Nigerian nationals in the past couple of years, a figure that stands out as a significant part of the UK’s post-Brexit migration strategy.
Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, discussed the trend in a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
He noted that while some criticisms of the UK’s immigration policies suggest they are too stringent, these figures illustrate a positive shift in the relationship between the UK and Nigeria.
According to Montgomery, Nigeria has been a major beneficiary of the UK’s updated visa rules, particularly in the context of post-Brexit changes.
Montgomery pointed out that the 300,000 visas granted to Nigerians over the past few years far exceed the number of visas granted by any other country with which Nigeria maintains relations.
He also emphasized that the UK’s revised immigration policies, which were implemented after Brexit, have had a beneficial impact on migration from Nigeria, a trend that has only strengthened in recent years.
The British High Commissioner further acknowledged the invaluable contributions made by Nigerians in the UK, particularly in sectors such as social care, where many Nigerian nationals play critical roles.
This contribution, he noted, has been “incredibly important” in addressing staffing shortages in essential services.
Montgomery also praised the role of Nigerian migrants in other fields, affirming that their integration into the UK’s labor market is a reflection of the country’s strong ties with Nigeria.
Despite some ongoing debates around immigration policies, Montgomery reaffirmed that Nigeria continues to be one of the key beneficiaries of the UK’s visa system, contributing not only economically but also in enriching the cultural and social fabric of the UK.
The full impact of these visa grants extends beyond the immediate benefits to those granted visas, highlighting the growing exchange between the two countries in areas ranging from economics to healthcare.
