UK SEES CONTINUED NIGERIAN INFLUX, AMIDST NATIONAL MIGRATION DROP

New data from the UK's Office for National Statistics reveals that despite a significant drop in overall migration to the UK in 2024, Nigeria remains a major source of newcomers, highlighting the evolving landscape of global mobility and the enduring appeal of the UK for skilled workers and students from certain nations.

Approximately 52,000 Nigerians moved to the UK last year, making Nigeria one of the top non-EU countries contributing to the UK's population. This influx occurred even as total net migration to the UK nearly halved, falling from 860,000 to 431,000. This indicates a targeted and robust flow from Nigeria, even as the UK government aims to reduce overall immigration.

The majority of Nigerian migrants, 27,000, arrived on work visas, while 22,000 came for study, with the remaining 3,000 entering under other categories. Nigeria, alongside India, Pakistan, and China, is a key driver of non-EU migration to the UK, with work and study being the primary reasons for migration across these nationalities. This consistent trend underscores the ongoing demand for international talent and educational opportunities within the UK, particularly from these key nations.

Interestingly, the report highlights that most non-EU migrants (83%) are of working age (16-64 years), with a fairly even split between males (52%) and females (48%). Only a small percentage are children under 16 (16%) or over 65 (1%). This demographic profile suggests a strong economic and skill-based contribution from these migrant populations to the UK.

The overall decline in UK migration is attributed to fewer arrivals on work and study visas, particularly from non-EU countries, and an increase in people leaving the UK. Many individuals who arrived during or after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those on study visas, have now returned to their home countries. Work-related immigration saw the largest drop, down by 49%, while study-related immigration decreased by 17%, with a particularly sharp 86% fall in study dependents. This suggests that while overall migration policies may be tightening and some temporary residents are departing, the fundamental drivers for long-term migration from countries like Nigeria for work and higher education remain strong.

Posted on: Sat May 24 2025 Back to posts