Newly released data from the UK government's Office for National Statistics unveils a significant migration count of 141,000 Nigerians to the United Kingdom in the past year. This influx aligns with the economic migration trend, colloquially known as "japa," where individuals seek opportunities abroad, particularly in the UK.
The statistics position Nigeria among the top five non-EU nationalities contributing to immigration flows into the UK. As of the year ending June 2023, the top five non-EU nationalities include Indian (253,000), Nigerian (141,000), Chinese (89,000), Pakistani (55,000), and Ukrainian (35,000).
The release from the UK government also highlights upcoming changes to immigration laws, effective January 2024, including a ban on dependants accompanying international students on non-research postgraduate courses. This development may influence Nigerians to explore alternative study options.
Despite potential challenges, the data review indicates a significant increase in Nigerians studying in the UK, growing from 6,798 in 2017 to 59,053 as of December 2022. The number of dependents has also seen a substantial rise, from 1,586 in 2019 to 60,923 in the last year.
The figures, sourced from various data sets, reflect the dynamic nature of migration patterns and policy changes, providing insights into the evolving landscape of international mobility.
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