In a significant development, the United Kingdom has implemented a new law that will restrict Nigerian students and other international students studying in the UK from bringing their family as dependents, except in “specific circumstances.”
This move comes as the UK government aims to reduce immigration numbers, which currently stand at approximately one million, according to Sky News.
Under the new rule, international students will no longer have the option to switch from the student route to work routes before completing their studies, in order to prevent misuse of the visa system.
Additionally, there will be a comprehensive review of the maintenance requirement for students and their dependents, as well as a crackdown on “unscrupulous” education agents who exploit immigration opportunities rather than focusing on education, as reported by Sky News.
These changes will come into effect in January 2024, allowing students who are starting their courses in the UK sufficient time to plan and adjust to the new regulations.
In a written ministerial statement released on Tuesday and obtained by Sky News, Home Secretary Suella Braverman highlighted the unexpected increase in the number of dependents accompanying international students, as revealed by recent immigration figures
