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UK Net Migration Drops By Nearly 50% – What It Means For Nigerians On Graduate Or Study Visas
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UK Net Migration Drops By Nearly 50% – What It Means For Nigerians On Graduate Or Study Visas.
by
semasir
(m):
9:25am on May 23

The UK has recorded a dramatic 50% drop in net migration, according to the latest data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Net migration fell from a peak of 860,000 in the year ending December 2023 to 431,000 in the year ending December 2024 — marking one of the sharpest declines in recent times.
What’s Driving the Decline?
The ONS attributes the drop to:
Key Statistics at a Glance:
Policy Changes Under Sunak’s Government
These changes closely follow immigration policy reforms introduced during Rishi Sunak’s tenure as Prime Minister and James Cleverly’s time as Home Secretary. Key reforms included:
These policies have clearly impacted migration patterns — especially for Nigerians and other nationals from Africa and South Asia who have traditionally used the study and graduate routes as a pathway to UK settlement or career development.
How This Affects Nigerians on Graduate Visas
For Nigerians on a Graduate Visa, this could mean:
Those planning to come to the UK via the study route should also be aware that bringing family along is now more difficult unless enrolled in a PhD or long-term research-based programme.
Final Thought: A Shift in Strategy?
The UK’s goal appears to be reducing reliance on international migration, especially via the study-to-stay pathway. For many Nigerians, this may mean rethinking timelines, budgets, and long-term relocation plans.
View the full ONS report here: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration
What’s Driving the Decline?
The ONS attributes the drop to:
- Fewer arrivals on work and study-related visas, especially from non-EU countries, including Nigeria.
- An increase in emigration, particularly from individuals who initially came to the UK on study visas but have since returned home or moved elsewhere after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Key Statistics at a Glance:
- 948,000 people immigrated to the UK (down nearly 30%)
- 517,000 people emigrated from the UK (up 11%)
- Work-related visas for non-EU nationals dropped by 49%
- Study visa applications dropped by 17%
- Study dependants decreased by 86%
Work dependants decreased by 35%
Policy Changes Under Sunak’s Government
These changes closely follow immigration policy reforms introduced during Rishi Sunak’s tenure as Prime Minister and James Cleverly’s time as Home Secretary. Key reforms included:
- A significant increase in salary thresholds for sponsored skilled workers.
- Tighter restrictions on the ability of international students to bring dependants, especially on one-year Master’s programmes.
These policies have clearly impacted migration patterns — especially for Nigerians and other nationals from Africa and South Asia who have traditionally used the study and graduate routes as a pathway to UK settlement or career development.
How This Affects Nigerians on Graduate Visas
For Nigerians on a Graduate Visa, this could mean:
- Fewer job opportunities as companies become more selective with sponsorship due to higher salary thresholds.
- A competitive environment for transitioning to Skilled Worker visas.
- Increased emigration pressure for those unable to secure qualifying roles.
Those planning to come to the UK via the study route should also be aware that bringing family along is now more difficult unless enrolled in a PhD or long-term research-based programme.
Final Thought: A Shift in Strategy?
The UK’s goal appears to be reducing reliance on international migration, especially via the study-to-stay pathway. For many Nigerians, this may mean rethinking timelines, budgets, and long-term relocation plans.
View the full ONS report here: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration
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