Nigerians have been cautioned against hastily relocating to the United Kingdom, as the country gears up for stricter immigration rules under new proposals from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
UK‑based public affairs specialist, Dipo Awojide took to X to warn would‑be migrants not to rush into selling properties or quitting stable jobs in Nigeria. He stressed that the ease of transitioning from study visas to permanent residence in the UK is fading.
“If you must study abroad, explore other destinations. Don’t sell your home or resign your job prematurely, the UK system is becoming more restrictive,” Awojide wrote.
His warning follows the unveiling of Badenoch’s “Radical Borders Plan” at the Conservative conference in Manchester, which lays out sweeping changes including: A new enforcement body, dubbed Removals Force, modeled after the U.S. ICE, targeting deportation of 150,000 undocumented migrants annually, Doubling the residency requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 to 10 years, Stricter English language tests and tougher rules for immigrants who have accessed public benefits and Stripping or limiting access to permanent status for beneficiaries of social housing or state support
In response to the sentiment, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) urged caution, advising prospective migrants to “exercise due diligence,” warning that visa overstays or irregular employment could lead to deportation.
The proposed regulations have stoked concerns over labour gaps in sectors such as healthcare, education and hospitality, which rely heavily on immigrant workers. Critics argue that while the government wants tighter controls, it must not stifle vital services.
Awojide clarified his advice was not anti‑migration but a call for better planning.
“If you’re already in the UK, stay calm but stay vigilant. Those still in Nigeria should make informed decisions before taking irreversible steps,” he said.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians are reexamining alternative destinations, including Canada, Australia, and countries within Africa, viewed as having more stable and transparent migration pathways.
