The United Kingdom is preparing to tighten visa rules for citizens of Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka due to concerns over overstaying and increased asylum claims, according to new plans outlined by the UK Home Office.
Officials say the move aims to reduce abuse of the immigration system, particularly among those who enter the UK on work or study visas but later seek asylum. The UK government is expected to introduce these changes in an upcoming Immigration White Paper scheduled for release later in May.
“As part of a broader effort to fix our immigration system, we are identifying individuals likely to misuse their visa status earlier and more effectively,” a Home Office spokesperson said.
These measures would make it more difficult for individuals from flagged countries to obtain work or student visas. The policy is seen as a response to rising migration figures and visa misuse, especially from nations with a growing trend of asylum applications post-arrival.
In recent years, the UK has become a popular destination for Nigerian migrants. However, the visa rejection rate for Nigerian applicants has also increased significantly, reflecting heightened scrutiny.
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This development follows similar restrictive policies introduced in past years, further tightening immigration pathways for Nigerians and other nationals perceived as high-risk.