The changes are expected to significantly affect Nigerian students, who have become one of the largest international student populations in the UK in recent years
UK Cuts Graduate Visa Duration, Tightens Immigration Rules
Nigerians hoping to study and work in the United Kingdom may face new hurdles following the UK government’s announcement of sweeping immigration reforms, including a significant reduction in the post-study work visa period.
The reforms, outlined in a new Immigration White Paper released on Monday, aim to crack down on what the Home Office described as “systemic abuse and mission drift” within the student, asylum, and family visa categories.
“Migration must be controlled and compliant,” the Home Office stated. “Our reforms will close the back doors and shut down abuse across the system.”
One of the key changes is the revision of the Graduate Route, which previously allowed international students to remain in the UK for two years after graduation to seek employment. Under the new rules, this period has been reduced to 18 months and will come with stricter conditions, including a more limited pathway to long-term work visas and reduced rights to bring dependants.
“The Graduate Route has not met its original objectives,” the white paper noted. “It has become a loophole for unsponsored work and a magnet for abuse.”
Additionally, only higher education institutions that meet new “enhanced compliance standards” will be permitted to recruit international students. Universities with low graduate employment rates or those found engaging in deceptive recruitment tactics could face penalties, including the loss of their license to sponsor international students.
The changes are expected to significantly affect Nigerian students, who have become one of the largest international student populations in the UK in recent years. Read More
