Visa Surge: 132,000 Nigerians granted entry to the UK in H1 2023

The United Kingdom granted 132,000 visas to Nigerians in the first half of 2023, up from the 324,000 issued throughout 2022, constituting a 10% share of all UK permits issued during this period.

British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, attributed this surge in visas to several factors, including robust economic relations and a rising number of Nigerian students in the UK. Baxter also highlighted recent UK government changes, allowing students to bring dependents, expected to further boost Nigerian students’ influx.

While acknowledging increased visa application fees to cover processing costs and services, Baxter advised Nigerians to apply well in advance due to potential processing delays.

This visa uptick signifies deepening ties and growing educational links between the UK and Nigeria, fostering a positive bilateral relationship.