Nigerian nationals have emerged as the top nationality transitioning from study-related visas to non-study visas within three year.
This is according to the “Reason for international migration, international students update: November 2024” report by the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The data highlights a significant trend of Nigerian migrants leveraging the UK’s visa system for long-term residency or employment opportunities.
The UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) stated in its publication that latest estimate of net migration to the UK for the year to June 2024 had risen to a whopping 906,000.
The ONS report highlights that, among the top five nationalities entering the UK on study-related visas, Nigerian nationals were most likely to transition to non-study visas within three years.
Nonetheless, a 16-percentage point increase was observed over the two periods, indicating a general upward trend across nationalities in transitioning to non-study visas.
The report also highlights a sharp rise in the number of Nigerians entering the UK on study-dependant visas in recent years. By YE June 2023, dependants accounted for 55% of Nigerian study-related visas, surpassing students, who represented 45%.
The data shows that Nigerian students have been a key driver of the growth in UK international student numbers.
The surge in visa transitions and international student numbers comes amidst the UK government’s struggle to address workforce gaps.
Speaking on the issue, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the challenges facing the country’s labor market:
The Prime Minister further emphasized a shift in strategy, stating, “We will publish a White Paper imminently – which sets out a plan to reduce immigration.”
The surge in transitions from study visas to non-study visas reflects how migrants from certain nationalities, particularly Nigerians, are utilising the UK visa system as a gateway to longer-term opportunities.
The high proportion of Nigerians transitioning from study visas to non-study visas underscores their pivotal role in shaping the UK’s migration dynamics. However, stricter visa rules could drastically reduce the number of Nigerians obtaining UK visas abroad.
Additionally, for those already in the UK, the tightening of pathways to switch from student visas to work visas poses a serious challenge. This could force many to return home, disrupting aspirations for long-term residency or employment in the UK.
