52,000 Nigerians Relocated to the UK in 2024 Despite Migration Policy Tightening
- Ajibade Omolade Chistianah
- May 23
- 2 min read
The United Kingdom saw an influx of approximately 52,000 Nigerian nationals in 2024, according to newly released data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS). Despite a sweeping reduction in overall immigration numbers, Nigeria remained one of the top non-EU source countries for migrants entering Britain.
The ONS figures, released on May 23, 2025, reveal that net migration to the UK fell sharply by nearly 50%, from a record 860,000 in 2023 to 431,000 in the year ending December 2024. The decline was driven by tighter immigration policies, including stricter visa rules, limits on international students’ dependants, and enhanced enforcement efforts aimed at curbing irregular migration.
Breakdown of Nigerian Migration in 2024:
Work Visas: 27,000 Nigerians entered the UK on skilled worker and health and care-related visas. This reflects the high demand for Nigerian professionals, particularly in the healthcare and IT sectors.
Study Visas: 22,000 were granted student visas, continuing Nigeria’s strong representation in the UK’s international education sector.
Other Routes: 3,000 Nigerians migrated under family reunification, asylum, or other miscellaneous visa categories.
This volume places Nigeria alongside India, Pakistan, and China as a leading non-European source of migration to the UK.
The drop in net migration has been attributed largely to changes introduced by the UK government. In early 2024, the Home Office barred most international students from bringing family members, significantly reducing the number of dependants arriving alongside primary visa holders. In previous years, Nigerians accounted for one of the highest numbers of student dependants—over 60,000 in 2022 alone.
“While the government’s reforms have started to show results in reducing overall migration figures, skilled and student migration from countries like Nigeria remains robust,” said a spokesperson from the UK Migration Advisory Committee.
According to ONS data, over 83% of non-EU+ immigrants to the UK in 2024 were of working age (16–64). Among Nigerian migrants, this percentage was slightly higher, reflecting a youthful and employable demographic, many of whom contribute directly to sectors under labour strain such as healthcare and construction.
Economists have noted that while the drop in overall migration may help address political pressures, it could have long-term implications for the UK’s workforce. “The UK remains reliant on international talent. Nigerian migrants continue to play a vital role in sustaining critical industries,” said Professor Linda Achebe, an immigration policy analyst at the London School of Economics.
The UK’s evolving immigration rules are expected to further shape future migration flows. However, given Nigeria’s growing population, youth unemployment, and strong historic ties to Britain, the West African nation is expected to remain a major source of skilled and student migration.
The next ONS report, due later this year, will further assess the impact of ongoing policy changes and provide a clearer picture of long-term trends.
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