The British High Commission has announced its intention to collaborate with the Federal Government on the rollout of new immigration regulations outlined in a recently published white paper.
On Monday, the UK government unveiled the white paper, which includes a variety of measures aimed at controlling immigration.
These measures encompass the elimination of the social care work visa, an extended settlement pathway for migrants, and a reduced duration for the graduate visa route, among other initiatives.
While specifics regarding the timeline for implementation were not provided, the British High Commission stated in a Monday announcement that it will work together with Nigeria on the immigration white paper.
“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,” the statement read.
“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 is 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.”
Before now, UK authorities had said they would restrict visa applications from countries including Nigeria, whose citizens are more likely to overshoot their approved stay.
Labour Party vowed in its general election manifesto last year to significantly reduce net migration, which stood at 728,000 in the 12 months to last June.
It had peaked at 906,000 in 2023 after averaging 200,000 for most of the 2010s.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, who voted for the UK to remain part of the EU, is under renewed pressure to tackle immigration following the anti-immigration Reform party’s gains in recent local elections.