The British High Commission says it will work with the Federal Government on the implementation of new immigration rules contained in a recently released white paper.
On Monday, the UK government released the white paper containing a raft of measures to curb immigration, including the reduction and end to the social care work visa, a longer settlement route for migrants, a shorter time limit for the graduate visa route, among others.
Although there were no details on the implementation timeline, the British High Commission, in a statement on Monday, said it will partner 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.
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