UK to impose stricter visa rules for Nigerians, others

The United Kingdom is ramping up efforts to restrict visa access for nationals from Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, following internal assessments that revealed a higher likelihood of applicants from these countries overstaying their visas and later seeking asylum.

According to a report by The Times, the UK Home Office, in collaboration with the National Crime Agency (NCA), is developing data-driven models designed to assist caseworkers in identifying visa applicants—especially those applying for work or study permits—who may use legal entry routes to eventually file for asylum.

The proposed restrictions are expected to focus on two key visa categories: the Skilled Worker visa (Tier 4), which allows entry for individuals sponsored by UK employers, and the Student visa (Tier 2), which is aimed at international students.

This initiative comes amid mounting political and public pressure on the Home Office to tackle the rising number of asylum applications from individuals who initially entered the UK legally. Government data released in March indicated that nearly 10,000 asylum seekers in 2023 had first arrived on student or work visas, with many being placed in government-funded accommodation, including hotels.

Nationals from Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka represented the largest portion of these cases.

However, the profiling strategy has faced criticism from immigration experts and civil rights advocates, who question the fairness, accuracy, and ethical concerns of using nationality and predictive modeling to target applicants.