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The United Kingdom has denied allegations of implementing strict visa policies against Nigerians, highlighting that around 300,000 visas have been granted to Nigerians in recent years. This was disclosed by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
Montgomery described the UK-Nigeria relationship as robust, emphasizing that Nigeria has significantly benefited from the UK’s post-Brexit migration policies.
“I have to contest this picture,” Montgomery said. “In the last couple of years, the UK has issued around 300,000 new visas to Nigerians, far surpassing the visa relationships Nigeria has with any other country.”
He noted a substantial increase in work visas granted to Nigerians, with numbers rising from 10,000–20,000 annually a few years ago to between 80,000–90,000 in the last two years. “The trends have been really positive post-Brexit,” he added.
Montgomery also highlighted the vital contributions of Nigerians in key sectors like social care, stating that Nigerians account for approximately 10% of all visas issued by the UK over the past two years.
Despite acknowledging a decline in the number of Nigerian students studying in the UK, he reassured prospective applicants that visa approval rates remain high for those with proper documentation.
“So, I would like to emphasize how huge the relationship is,” Montgomery said, reiterating that the UK’s visa policies have been favorable and supportive of Nigerians compared to other countries.
The envoy underscored the enduring strength of UK-Nigeria ties, portraying the migration relationship as a testament to their long-standing partnership.
