The number of UK visa applications has plummeted following new restrictions, significantly affecting foreign care workers and students, many of whom are Nigerians seeking to Japa (migrate) to the UK for better opportunities.
Between April and December 2024, the UK received 547,000 visa applications, a drastic drop from 942,500 in the same period in 2023—a decrease of nearly 400,000 applications. According to preliminary Home Office data, this decline aligns with efforts to reduce annual migration by 300,000.
Restrictions on Dependents and Care Worker Visas
One of the hardest-hit categories is the health and care worker visa, which saw a staggering 79% decline. Applications dropped from 299,800 in 2023 to just 63,800 in 2024. The restrictions, which prevent foreign care workers from bringing dependents, have made it harder for Nigerians in the care industry to Japa with their families.
The social care sector, heavily reliant on foreign workers, has criticized the restrictions as “brutal,” warning of severe staff shortages. Many Nigerians who hoped to use the care route to settle in the UK now face limited opportunities due to these policies.
Impact on Nigerian Students
Nigerian students planning to study in the UK have also been hit hard. Sponsored study visa applications fell by 29%, from 546,100 in 2023 to 389,800 in 2024. A significant factor in this decline is the ban on international students bringing family members as dependents, which has discouraged many Nigerians from applying.
Universities, meanwhile, are grappling with reduced international student numbers and financial pressures due to stagnant domestic tuition fees.
Skilled Worker Visas Remain Resilient
Skilled worker visas have been less affected, with only a 3% decline in applications, from 96,600 in 2023 to 93,800 in 2024. This category even outperformed 2022 figures, showing some resilience despite the tougher immigration landscape.
What It Means for Nigerians
For Nigerians seeking to Japa to the UK, the road has become more challenging. Families planning to reunite face stricter financial requirements, while students and care workers must reconsider their plans due to restrictions on dependents.
The Bigger Picture
The former Conservative government introduced these restrictions between January and April 2024 to manage record migration numbers. However, the policy changes risk causing long-term damage to the social care and education sectors, both of which have relied heavily on foreign workers and students.
For Nigerians already in the UK or planning to migrate, navigating these changes will require strategic planning and adaptability to the evolving immigration landscape.
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