Market News

By Ojochenemi Onje

Nigerians and citizens of several African and Caribbean nations could face tighter entry restrictions to the United Kingdom if the opposition party Reform UK wins the next general election.

This followed a controversial proposal linking visa access to demands for slavery reparations.

The policy, reported by the Daily Mail, would target countries that have formally called on Britain to compensate for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Among those potentially affected are Nigeria, Jamaica, Kenya, Haiti, Guyana, Barbados and The Bahamas.

Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson, defended the proposal, arguing that countries demanding reparations were overlooking Britain’s historical role in abolishing slavery.

He stated that over the past two decades, such nations had collectively received millions of UK visas and billions of pounds in foreign aid, adding that “enough is enough.”

The proposal signals a hardening stance in Britain’s immigration and foreign policy debate, particularly as calls for reparations gather global momentum.

If implemented, the measure could significantly affect travel, education, and migration opportunities for thousands of Nigerians and other nationals with longstanding ties to the UK.

In recent weeks, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution describing the transatlantic slave trade and racialised chattel slavery as among the “gravest crimes against humanity.”

The motion, backed by a coalition of African and Caribbean states, passed with 123 votes in favour, three against, and 52 abstentions. Britain abstained from the vote.

Leading the charge for reparations is Ghana, alongside the African Union and Caribbean nations under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

These groups are advocating for formal apologies, restitution of looted cultural artefacts, and financial and structural redress to address the enduring consequences of slavery.

Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, criticised the UN’s position, dismissing calls for reparations as illegitimate interference.

He argued that modern Britain should not be held financially responsible for actions carried out centuries ago, insisting the country should prioritise present-day economic stability over historical accountability.

Beyond visa restrictions, the party has also pledged sweeping cuts to foreign aid, proposing a cap of £1 billion annually, a reduction of about 90 per cent from current spending levels.