The United Kingdom has announced a new set of stringent visa rules that could make it more challenging for Nigerians and other immigrants to move into the country. Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled the changes in the House of Commons on Monday.
Under the new policy, the minimum annual salary for foreign workers to be eligible for a skilled worker visa will be raised from £26,200 to £38,700, a figure higher than the existing median average salary of a full-time worker in Britain. The policy will also limit dependents’ ability to obtain a visa, with healthcare workers no longer able to bring their family members. The government estimates these measures could reduce immigration into the UK by 300,000 per year.
The government will also scrutinize those using the graduate route to enter the UK to ensure the validity of their documentation. These measures are seen as a response to growing concerns about the impact of unchecked migration on public services, housing, and jobs across the UK.
The announcement comes amidst record net migration figures of 745,000 in 2022 and increasing pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, including from members of his Conservative Party, to address the immigration numbers. Recent polls suggest the Conservatives may face defeat in next year’s elections, with voters expressing dissatisfaction over the party’s handling of the immigration crisis.
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The new policy is expected to significantly affect Nigerians, with over 141,000 Nigerians moving to the UK between 2022 and 2023. The ongoing inflation and foreign exchange crises, coupled with the removal of petrol subsidies, have left many Nigerians worse off than a year ago, prompting them to seek better living conditions abroad.