The UK government has issued 255,000 visas to Nigerians seeking to study or relocate to the country over the past year, from April 2023 to March 2024.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, shared this update during a meeting with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in Abuja.
Dr. Montgomery also reassured the Nigerian government about the safety of its citizens in the UK amid recent riots. He noted that despite the unrest, the UK remains a safe destination, with measures in place including 60 special courts to address related criminal activities.
The High Commissioner reported that approximately 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence, and the government is actively pursuing those spreading hatred and misinformation online.
In response, Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that no Nigerian casualties have been reported. She stated that NiDCOM, in coordination with the Nigerian High Commission in London and other diaspora organizations, has received no reports of incidents involving Nigerian nationals.
Dabiri-Erewa commended the UK government for its swift actions, particularly the arrests of those responsible for the unrest. She urged Nigerians to stay safe, remain vigilant, and adhere to travel advisories issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
