A Nigerian living in the United Kingdom, Toyyib Adelodun, has drawn attention to the financial challenges migrants face in the country, particularly with visa applications and related expenses.
In a TikTok video shared on Friday, Adelodun outlined the significant costs associated with obtaining post-study work visas, stressing the heavy economic burden this places on international students and their families.
“Living in the UK means you are one visa application away from emptying your entire bank account,” he lamented while explaining the costs incurred by migrants pursuing postgraduate studies.
Adelodun highlighted that international students often pay tuition fees as high as £15,000 for a master’s programme, only to face additional expenses of £2,800 to secure a two-year post-study work visa. This amount includes an £800 visa application fee and a £1,000 annual NHS surcharge.
“For those with dependents, the costs multiply. A family of three might spend over £6,000 on the same visa,” he said, noting the strain these fees place on families.
Adelodun expressed concern about how these financial hurdles impact migrants’ goals, stating, “Some people have had to return home because they couldn’t raise the funds. Yet, they need this two-year UK work experience to boost their global career prospects.”
He also addressed misconceptions about migrants’ financial status, highlighting the substantial contributions they make.
“Migrants pay exorbitant fees for everything while having no recourse to public funds,” he said. “Even securing indefinite leave to remain requires an additional £2,800 in application fees.”
Adelodun further reflected on the dual pressures migrants face, including financial expectations from family back home.
“People back home often say, ‘He lives in the UK, why can’t he send money for his brother’s wedding?’ But they don’t understand the financial struggles here. We need more empathy,” he said.
He advised migrants to remain patient as they adapt to life in a new country and to seek supportive communities.
“It takes time to settle into a new country. Be patient with yourself, and surround yourself with good people. It’s not easy here, but with time, things will improve. God help us,” he concluded.
