Japa: Dependents from Nigeria to UK increased from 1,500 to 52,000 in 2 years — British High Commissioner

Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has disclosed that the number of dependents accompanying students from Nigeria studying in the United Kingdom (UK) surged from approximately 1,500 to 52,000 between 2019 and 2022.

Montgomery made this disclosure in a statement on Sunday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

According to him, before the coronavirus pandemic in 2019, there were only about 1,500 dependents from Nigeria in the UK.

He noted that by 2022, this number had increased thirtyfold.

Furthermore,  Montgomery stated that only international students enrolling in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs will now be permitted to bring dependents into the country.

He mentioned that the policy change, which was implemented earlier this year, prohibits international students in higher education from bringing dependents to the UK.

According to him, this decision was made to address the growing issue of many foreign students bringing dependents.

He noted that the universities Chancellors had complained of the huge student populations’ highlighting that accommodation was a huge challenge, access to medical services under the National Health Service and access to school if they brought in dependents.

According to him, the restrictions do not apply to all categories, adding that those doing a long term research degree, like a PhD, or doctorate were not affected.