Nigeria, UK Enjoy Robust Relationship, With 300,000 Visas Issued To Nigerians – High Commissioner

By Ayodele Oni

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery has described relationship between Nigeria and United Kingdom, (UK) as robust which has led to issuance of 300,000 visas to Nigerians over the past few years.

Speaking on Monday on Channels Television, Montgomery emphasized that Nigeria is one of the major beneficiaries of the UK’s post-Brexit migration policies.

He addressed claims of harsh immigration policies, asserting that the UK’s visa policies have been favourable to Nigerians.

“I have to contest this picture because the UK, in the last couple of years, has granted around 300,000 new visas to Nigerians, which far exceeds any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with any other country.

“The trends have been really positive post-Brexit. Nigeria has been a major beneficiary of the post-Brexit migration visa rules.”

He noted that the number of work visas granted to Nigerians has increased significantly, from 10,000–20,000 annually a few years ago to 80,000–90,000 in recent years.

“The number of people getting work visas to go to the UK has gone from something like 10,000 to 20,000 about six or seven years ago to 80,000–90,000 a year in the last two years – last year and this year.

The envoy however admitted that student numbers are down, while highlighting the contributions of Nigerians in the UK, particularly in sectors such as social care, describing their roles as vital.

Nigerians, he added, account for approximately 10 per cent of all visas issued by the UK in the past two years.

“So, I would like to emphasise how huge the relationship is. It outstrips any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with any other single country, in my understanding.”

Montgomery assured prospective applicants that the UK visa approval rate remains high for those who apply with proper documentation and evidence.

Montgomery underscored the strong ties between the two nations, which he said surpasses Nigeria’s visa relationships with other countries.