UK bars Nigeria students from bringing spouses, children

The UK has declared that international students are not permitted to bring their families with them. 

The prohibition was announced by Home Secretary Suella Braverman as a component of the strategy to lower net migration. 

All international students, with the exception of those enrolled in postgraduate research programs, will not be allowed to bring their wives, children, or parents beginning in January 2024, according to the Home Secretary.

The UK allows dependents to travel with their spouses, parents, or other family members who have valid student visas.

According to Braverman, there had been an "unexpected" increase in the number of dependents, and the economic advantages that students brought could "not be at the expense" of the Conservative vow to reduce immigration.

According to Sky News, “There will also be a review of the maintenance requirement for students and dependents and a crackdown on ‘unscrupulous’ education agents who make use of inappropriate applications to sell immigration, not education.”

All master's students and some other post-graduates will be affected by the restriction, but highly qualified PhD students whose programs run three to five years will be exempt.

Nigerians made up the majority of the increase in dependents accompanying individuals with study visas in 2022, therefore if enacted, the crackdown will have an impact on many Nigerian students hoping to complete their postgraduate studies in the UK.

Source