The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has clarified the reasons behind the United Kingdom’s decision to ban international students from bringing their family members with them starting in 2024.
Montgomery stated that the measure is aimed at preventing excessive strain on the country’s housing infrastructure and managing the influx of migrants.
Speaking to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Montgomery emphasized the need to address the challenges of accommodating the growing student population while meeting their housing and service requirements.
He emphasized the importance of managing migration into and out of the UK.
The UK Home Office had announced on May 23 that international students, including Nigerians, would no longer be allowed to bring their families with them from January 2024.
Additionally, overseas students would not be permitted to switch from a student visa to a work visa until they complete their studies.
This decision has garnered mixed reactions from international students, educational institutions, and some British lawmakers who argue that it could exacerbate labor shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare and undermine the UK’s reputation as a top destination for international talent.
Responding to questions from journalists, the British High Commissioner explained the rationale behind the regulation.
He cited the challenges of providing housing and services to meet the needs of the existing student population and emphasized the importance of managing visitor numbers and migration, drawing a parallel with the Nigerian government’s approach.
Montgomery highlighted the significant increase in the number of Nigerian students coming to the UK, with their population growing fivefold in the last three years. He also noted that Nigerian visitors constitute over 10 percent of the individuals visiting London and the UK.
He expressed satisfaction with this trend, considering it a success story for UK universities and a positive development in bilateral relations.
During the meeting with the Vice President, discussions focused on the economic policies of the Bola Tinubu administration, which have received a warm reception from UK investors.
Montgomery acknowledged the importance of key decisions made by the Nigerian government, such as subsidy removal and exchange rate reforms, which have created a more favorable investment environment.
He mentioned his positive interactions with British business representatives in London, particularly in the finance, banking, and investment sectors, who responded favorably to Nigeria’s economic reforms.
The British High Commissioner also touched upon potential assistance from the British government to alleviate the impact of discontinuing petroleum subsidies, acknowledging the challenging economic conditions faced by Nigerians.
He emphasized that the reforms undertaken by Nigeria would contribute to higher economic growth, attract more investments, and present significant opportunities for the United Kingdom and the city of London. Montgomery expressed his commitment to enhancing trade and investment between the two countries.