Market News

BY Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe 

The British High Commission in Nigeria has addressed the United Kingdom’s newly released immigration white paper, which outlines significant and controversial changes to the UK’s immigration system.

In a statement issued on Monday, the commission confirmed it will collaborate with appropriate partners in the Nigerian federal government once implementation details become available.

Earlier that day, the UK government released the white paper detailing several modifications to immigration policies. These changes include discontinuing the social care work visa, extending the settlement route for migrants, reducing the time limit for the graduate visa route, and introducing mandatory English language testing for dependents.

Details regarding when these changes will take effect are not yet available.

The British High Commission emphasised the importance of its relationship with Nigeria in its statement.

“The UK enjoys strong, long-standing people-to-people links with Nigeria. We are proud that the UK is still considered a top destination for Nigerians to work, study, visit and settle – and value the contribution this brings to the UK,” a spokesperson for the commission said.

“The UK White Paper sets out reforms to legal migration, including restoring order, control and fairness to the system, bringing down net migration and promoting economic growth.

“Changes to the system will happen over a period of time, and we will engage with relevant partners in the Federal Government of Nigeria once more information about implementation details are available.

“We have a proud tradition as an outward-looking nation, investing and trading abroad and welcoming the creativity, ideas and diversity of those who come to contribute here.”

Earlier this month, reports suggested the UK might restrict visa applications from nationalities whose citizens frequently overstay their approved duration. Nigeria was mentioned as one potentially affected country.

The British High Commission also reaffirmed the “strong and enduring” connections between Nigeria and the UK.