The British government generated over ₦40 billion from processing visa applications for Nigerian nationals between June 2023 and June 2024.
This figure was disclosed by Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, during the launch of Africa’s largest UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lagos.
Owen revealed that more than 225,000 visa applications from Nigerians were processed during this period. Speaking at the event, he emphasized the UK’s commitment to accessible and efficient visa services.
“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225k UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories, and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services meet the needs of all applicants,” he said.
While Owen did not provide precise details of the revenue generated, a basic analysis using the standard six-month UK visitor visa fee of $150 per application shows that the UK earned over $34 million from Nigerian applicants alone. At an average exchange rate of ₦1,200 to $1 during this period, the revenue translates to over ₦40 billion.
It is important to note that UK visa application fees are non-refundable, even for unsuccessful applications.
Data from the British government indicates a significant rise in visa rejections for Nigerian applicants.
Between the second half of 2023 and the end of the year, Nigeria was among the top five countries with increased study visa rejection rates. In Q4 2023, one in eight applications from Nigerians was rejected, compared to one in 31 during Q4 2022.
India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia also faced high rejection rates, but Nigeria’s numbers were among the highest globally, with a 63% decline in issuances compared to the last quarter of 2022.
The increase in rejections followed stricter immigration policies by the UK government, particularly concerning dependent visas. Changes to the graduate route post-study work visa generated negative sentiments in both the UK and Nigeria.
These policies have driven many Nigerians to explore other destinations, such as the United States, for education and work opportunities.
