The significant increase in Nigerian migration to the UK in recent years can be attributed to several key factors.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
The earliest known Nigerian presence inLondon took place over 200 years ago due to thetransatlantic slave trade . ManyNigeria ns also migrated to theUK for education prior toNigeria ‘s independence in 1960.
The UK government’s policies, economic conditions in Nigeria, and the appeal of the UK as a study and immigration destination have all contributed to the growing Nigerian population in the country.
There are several key factors behind the rising presence of Nigerians in the UK:
Education:
Many Nigerians come to the UK to study, with Nigeria ranking 3rd among top international student sources behind China and India. In 2021, Nigerian students and dependents contributed an estimated £1.9bn to the UK economy. However, recent policy changes like the potential cancellation of the Post-Study Work visa are making it more challenging for Nigerian students to extend their stay after graduation.
Economic and political instability in Nigeria:
Factors like high poverty, unemployment, and a weak economy in Nigeria have driven many to seek better opportunities abroad. The 1980s oil boom collapse and military dictatorships in the 1990s led to large waves of migration to the UK.
Established Nigerian communities:
Large Nigerian populations exist in cities like London and Liverpool, providing support networks for new migrants. Peckham in London has the largest concentration of Nigerians in the UK.
Irregular migration and human trafficking:
There are concerns about the extent of Nigerians being smuggled to the UK as potential victims of modern slavery, with a 31% increase in referrals between 2013 and 2014.
Here are the main reasons in more detail: The UK government’s decision in 2019 to offer a 2-year post-study work visa for international students
has been a major draw for Nigerians seeking to immigrate. This policy change coincided with a sharp rise in Nigerian student visas to the UK.
Brexit and the resulting drop in low-paid workers from the EU
prompted the UK to open up more avenues for international migration, including from Nigeria, to meet labor demands.
The UK government listed Nigeria as a high-priority country for student recruitment
in its 2019 international education strategy, further incentivizing Nigerians to pursue study in the UK as a path to immigration.
The introduction of the new student visa in October 2020
created a streamlined process for sponsoring institutions and students, making it easier for Nigerians to immigrate with their families.
The challenging economic conditions in Nigeria
, including high inflation, unemployment, and an underfunded education system, have pushed many Nigerians to seek better opportunities abroad, especially in the UK.
As a result, the number of Nigerian students in the UK surged from 12,820 in 2016-17 to 21,305 in 2020-21
, a nearly 64% increase. By June 2022, Nigerian nationals accounted for the largest relative increase in sponsored study visas, reaching a record high of 65,929. Nigerians also brought the highest number of dependents, representing 40% of all foreign student dependents in the UK in 2022.
In summary, a combination of educational opportunities, economic factors, historical ties, established communities, and irregular migration have all contributed to the growing Nigerian population in the UK in recent decades. However, policy changes and the challenges faced by Nigerian migrants also highlight the complex realities behind this trend.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
