The British High Commission has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Nigerian government in implementing the UK’s newly proposed immigration reforms, as outlined in a white paper released Monday.
The UK government’s white paper introduces a series of sweeping changes aimed at curbing legal migration.
Among the measures are the phased removal of the social care work visa, an extension of the settlement timeline for migrants, and a reduced duration for the graduate visa route.
Though the implementation timeline is yet to be disclosed, the British High Commission said in a statement that it intends to work closely with Nigeria as plans evolve.
“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.
According to the Commission, the white paper is focused on making the UK’s migration system more efficient and economically sustainable.
“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.”
“1Changes 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,” it stated.
The UK government also reaffirmed its global outlook and commitment to diversity:
“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.”
Previously, UK authorities signaled intentions to limit visa applications from countries, Nigeria included, whose nationals frequently exceed their permitted stay periods.
The Labour Party, which returned to power after last year’s general elections, had pledged in its manifesto to sharply cut net migration figures. The number stood at 728,000 as of June 2024, following a record high of 906,000 in 2023.
This was a sharp increase from the roughly 200,000 annual average seen throughout the 2010s.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, despite his earlier pro-EU stance, now faces mounting pressure to act decisively on migration control, particularly following recent gains by the anti-immigration Reform Party in local polls.
