The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has highlighted Nigeria as a significant beneficiary of the United Kingdom’s visa policies.
According to Montgomery, Nigerians accounted for approximately 10% of the total visas issued by the UK in the last two years, with 300,000 new visas granted during this period.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, Montgomery addressed criticisms of the UK’s immigration policies, disputing claims that they are overly restrictive.
He noted the positive trends in migration, especially post-Brexit, and emphasized the strong visa relationship between the two nations.
“The UK has granted around 300,000 new visas to Nigerians in the last couple of years—this far exceeds any other visa relationship Nigeria has with another country,” Montgomery stated.
He also highlighted the vital contributions of Nigerians working in the UK, particularly in critical sectors such as social care. “The number of Nigerians on work visas in the UK reflects their incredibly important role, especially in our social care sector,” he said.
Montgomery underscored the robust ties between Nigeria and the UK, describing the visa relationship as unparalleled.
He lauded the efforts of Nigerians in the UK, praising their contributions as invaluable to the country’s workforce and community.
