The United Kingdom (UK) may soon introduce tougher visa requirements for citizens of Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, citing concerns over high rates of overstaying and subsequent asylum claims.
According to a report by The Times, the UK Home Office is taking steps to curb what it sees as growing abuse of work and study visas. Citizens from these countries are reportedly more likely to remain in the UK beyond their visa limits and later seek asylum.
“To tackle abuse by foreign nationals who arrive on work and study visas and go on to claim asylum, we are building intelligence on the profile of these individuals to identify them earlier and faster,” a Home Office spokesperson stated.
The upcoming Immigration White Paper, expected later this May, will outline a new framework aimed at “restoring order to our broken immigration system,” the spokesperson added.
These proposed changes come as Nigerian applicants, in particular, face rising rejection rates for UK visas—a shift from the previous surge in Nigerian migration to the UK for education and employment.
Aside UK, USA threatens visa ban
Although not the first time Nigerian travellers have been met with stricter immigration policies, the move signals renewed efforts by UK authorities to tighten borders and reduce asylum pressures.
Earlier policies under former U.S. President Donald Trump also reflected similar sentiments, as he threatened deportation for migrants holding valid visas.
