The UK government has issued direct warnings to thousands of international students, including many from Nigeria, stressing the consequences of overstaying their student visas amid an “alarming” rise in post-study asylum claims. The Home Office is proactively contacting these students by email and text, emphasizing that anyone who fails to exit the UK when their student visa expires faces arrest, detention, and deportation.[gazettengr]
Recent Home Office statistics reveal a sharp increase in asylum attempts by former students—about 14,800, or 13% of all asylum claims in the UK during the first half of 2025, were from former student visa holders. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper underscored the crackdown, noting the majority of these claims happen even when visa holders’ home country conditions remain unchanged.[gazettengr]
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reinforced Britain’s new hardline stance by announcing tighter immigration rules, including compulsory English tests and blocking certain occupations for immigrants. The changes follow the suspension of caregiver recruitment from Nigeria, citing abuse in visa programs. Nigerian students are urged to comply with all visa regulations to avoid irrevocable consequences.
UK Government Crackdown: Nigerian Students Warned Against Visa Overstay, Deportation Threats Issued
