The British High Commission in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating legal migration and legitimate travel while continuing efforts to curb immigration abuse.

This comes amid growing speculation regarding potential changes to the United Kingdom visa regulations,

A spokesperson for the Commission (name withheld) in a statement issued by the commission on Wednesday stated, “We keep our immigration system under constant review to allow legal migration and legitimate travel, while deterring those who may seek to abuse it.”

Emphasising the strength of bilateral ties, the spokesperson added, “Our UK and Nigeria people-to-people links are strong and enduring, and we continue to work closely with the Government of Nigeria to tackle irregular migration.”

The High Commission urged individuals seeking more information on this matter to reach out to its Press and Public Affairs team, appreciating the public’s understanding and cooperation in addressing migration concerns.

The Times on Tuesday reported that the UK was considering new immigration measures that could make it harder for citizens of Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to obtain visas, citing high rates of overstays and subsequent asylum claims.

According to the report, the UK Home Office was preparing to introduce stricter visa policies targeting nationalities identified as having a greater likelihood of remaining in the country beyond the terms of their visas.

In recent years, Nigerian applicants have faced tighter visa rules, including restrictions on bringing dependents and reduced post-study work opportunities.

As a result, student visa applications from Nigeria have significantly declined, and many are now looking to alternative destinations, including the United States, where visa policies have also become more restrictive.

Data from 2024 revealed a sharp rise in UK visa rejections for Nigerians, with the rejection rate increasing from 1 in 31 applications in 2022 to 1 in 8 by late 2023. This has led to a 63 percent drop in UK visas issued to Nigerians over the past year. (The PUNCH: Text, Excluding Headline)