UK Implements Strict Policy: Nigerian Students, Others Banned from Bringing Dependents

The Home Office of the United Kingdom has officially initiated the enforcement of a stringent policy prohibiting Nigerian students and other international students from bringing dependants through the study visa route. This move was announced on Monday, reflecting the UK government’s commitment to curbing migration.

The Home Office clarified via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that, effective immediately, new overseas students are no longer permitted to bring family members to the UK, with the exception of postgraduate research or government-sponsored scholarship students.

In May 2023, the UK introduced legislation specifically targeting Nigerian students, among others, restricting the option to bring family dependants unless under specific circumstances. This measure is part of the UK government’s broader strategy to reduce overall immigration, currently standing at approximately one million people.

Under the new regulations, international students will lose the ability to switch from the student route to work routes before completing their studies, aimed at preventing misuse of the visa system. Sky News reported that a review of maintenance requirements for students and dependents is also underway, along with efforts to combat ‘unscrupulous’ education agents engaging in inappropriate applications for immigration purposes rather than genuine education.

The UK’s Home Office emphasized that these restrictions on student visa routes are designed to significantly decrease net migration, particularly by limiting the opportunity for international students to bring family members, except in postgraduate research cases. The government remains committed to ensuring that migration to the UK is highly skilled and provides maximum benefits.

In a statement on the official Home Office site, the government highlighted the need for these measures to contribute to lowering overall migration while maintaining the integrity of the International Education Strategy. The government has affirmed that the terms of the graduate route will remain unchanged, underscoring its commitment to a balanced and sustainable approach to migration.