- The British High Commissioner, Dr Richard Montgomery disclosed that 430,000 visa applications from Nigerians have been approved in 2024
- He assured Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) of the safety of Nigerians in the United Kingdom amid riots
- Nigerians react, lament brain drain
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery has revealed that approximately 430,000 visa applications from Nigerians have been approved this year alone.
This information was contained in a press release issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and signed by the commission’s Public Relations Officer Gabriel Odu on Wednesday August 7.
Dr Montgomery shared this information during a meeting with the Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
He also assured the commission of the safety of Nigerians in the United Kingdom amid the civil unrest.
The statement reads in part: “Dr Montgomery said 12 towns in total were affected by “disorder.” He, however, assured the Nigerian Community in the UK that the Government is doing everything possible to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities.
“He stated that the Government has set up 60 special “courts” comprising the UK Police and Legal operatives to look into the “criminal disorder.”
“The British Envoy emphasised that the United Kingdom is home to people of different countries and races and will remain liberal to qualified persons to live, school and work in the UK.”
“Dr Montgomery equally informed that about 430,000 visa applications by Nigerians were successful this wear while advising visa applicants to apply by themselves and be circumspect of agents.
“The NIDCOM Boss acknowledges that in the midst of “these issues” no Nigerian has died or “been” affected by the “disorder” so far.”
Recall that the federal government issued a travel alert to Nigerians over the civil unrest in the UK.
Nigerians react to NIDCOM’s press release
Some netizens believe that the number confirmed by the British High Commission did not specify if the applicants relocated or just got visiting visas. While some people expressed their eagerness to apply, others expressed concern about the brain drain the country will face.
Here are some of the comments:
@savalake231 posted: “430,000 and still counting. That's just for the UK. How about other countries? Nigeria will soon be empty. Lol.”
@gani_jonathan posted: “That’s close to half a million good doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, sports men and women. I pity Nigeria 😔”
@olah_ajia posted: “How many of these visa recipients are fleeing a country struggling to provide opportunities due to centuries of British colonial legacy and ongoing neo-colonialism?”
@Judithoflagos posted: “Omo 😂😂😂 Nigeria go soon empty o.”
@igbalaghemmanue posted: “Wow that's arguably a population of one small country.”
@nohrix posted: “How many of those numbers are for visit visas? Don't mislead people”
@rollinsgmc posted: “They are brain draining Nigeria. This has to stop before it leads to doom.”
@Atisonnet posted: “This stats alone is enough to make FG put an end to anti-people policies by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, & providing good-paying jobs for the populace in order to tame/curb Japa syndrome amongst Nigerians, especially the youths.”
Meet Alaba, Osamor, 4 other Nigerians who won seats in 2024 UK election
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that six Nigerians won seats in the 2024 UK elections. Kemi Badenoch, Bayo Alaba, Chi Onwurah, Taiwo Owatemi, Kate Osamor and Florence Eshalomi all won seats in the recently concluded 2024 UK elections.
The elections ended 14 years of Conservative leadership and secured a landslide victory for the Labour Party.