Nigerians have been suggested to rethink plans to relocate to the UK because the nation strikes in the direction of stricter immigration and settlement insurance policies below the Conservative Social gathering’s proposed reforms.
UK-based monetary adviser and public affairs analyst, Dipo Awojide, issued the warning in a current publish on X, warning potential migrants towards promoting off their property or resigning from steady jobs with out correct analysis.
He mentioned the UK’s political local weather and coverage course now not assure the identical ease of study-to-residency transition that many Nigerians beforehand loved.
“In case you should examine overseas, take into account different locations. Don’t rush to promote your property or resign your job as a result of the UK system is turning into extra restrictive,” he wrote.
The warning follows new proposals by Conservative Social gathering chief Kemi Badenoch, who unveiled her “Radical Borders Plan” throughout the occasion’s convention in Manchester.
The plan outlines sweeping immigration adjustments, together with the creation of a particular “Removals Power” modelled after the US’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Below the proposal, about 150,000 unlawful migrants could be deported yearly.
Different key provisions embody doubling the minimal qualifying interval for Indefinite Depart to Stay (ILR) from 5 to 10 years, tightening English language necessities, and limiting entry to everlasting residency for many who have claimed social housing or authorities advantages.
The Labour authorities, which additionally pledged to cut back web migration, has hinted at additional reforms to scholar, work, and household visa routes.
These could embody increased monetary necessities, longer qualifying durations, and extra stringent sponsor rules.
Nigeria’s diaspora inhabitants within the UK—one of many largest African communities in Britain—has reacted with concern. Many professionals and college students worry the proposed insurance policies might delay or derail their settlement plans.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Fee (NiDCOM) urged residents to conduct due diligence earlier than migrating, warning that visa overstays or irregular work preparations might result in deportation or authorized penalties.
Critics of Badenoch’s proposal say it might worsen labour shortages in sectors closely reliant on migrant employees, similar to healthcare, schooling, and hospitality. Supporters, nevertheless, argue that the brand new measures would strengthen border management and restore public confidence within the immigration system.
Awojide clarified that his warning was not meant to discourage reputable migration however to encourage higher planning. “In case you are already within the UK, keep calm however stay alert. These nonetheless in Nigeria ought to make knowledgeable selections earlier than taking irreversible steps,” he mentioned.
With the UK’s immigration framework tightening and political uncertainty deepening, many Nigerians are reportedly exploring various locations similar to Canada, Australia, and choose African nations the place migration pathways are thought-about extra steady and predictable.
