The United Kingdom generated over £32 million (approximately ₦68 billion) from processing visa applications submitted by Nigerians between June 2023 and June 2024. This figure was revealed by Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, during the launch of Africa’s largest UK Visa Application Centre in Lagos.
During this period, over 225,000 visa applications were processed for Nigerians across various categories. With a six-month UK visitor visa costing $150, the revenue generated highlights the substantial interest of Nigerians in traveling to the UK.
Owen emphasized the UK’s commitment to ensuring accessible and efficient visa services, stating:
“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals… This new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services meet the needs of all applicants.”Decline in Visa Issuances and Increased Rejection Rates
Data shows a decline in visa issuances to Nigerians, with rejection rates rising significantly. In Q4 2023, about one in eight Nigerian applications were rejected, compared to one in 31 in Q4 2022. This comes amidst tightened immigration policies and adjustments to post-study work visas for international students, leading to mixed sentiments between the two nations.
The British government’s restrictions on dependent visas and changes to immigration rules have further impacted Nigerians’ access to the UK.
