The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has stated that almost 430,000 Nigerian visa applications have been granted so far this year.
This was disclosed in a press statement by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, according to Nairametrics.
According to the release, Dr. Montgomery made this comment in a meeting with the Chairman/CEO, of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa while recommending candidates to apply directly and avoid intermediaries to prevent any complications.
Approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications have been successfully processed in 2024’’ he stated.
He assured the Nigerian diaspora living in the UK that they were safe and secure despite the ongoing protests there.
“The UK is home to people from diverse countries and races, and it will continue to welcome qualified individuals to live, study, and work. We will not accept discrimination or attacks against any community,” he said.
He underlined that 60 special courts had been set up, made up of UK Police and legal professionals, to deal with criminal activity during the meeting.
More than 400 people have been detained in relation to the unrest thus far, as the government seeks legal action against those inciting violence through the spread of hate and false information on the internet.
In her remark, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa noted that “No Nigerian has been reported dead or affected by the unrest so far.”
She reaffirmed that NIDCOM is in constant communication with multiple diaspora groups and the Nigerian High Commission in London, all of which have reported no casualties.
Dabiri-Erewa cautioned Nigerians to remain cautious and watchful and to heed the travel advice issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She commended the UK Government for its swift interventions, especially the arrests that were made.
The Nigerian government issued a travel advice, cautioning its citizens who were preparing to visit the UK to take precautions against potential risk, following violent protests in the UK by far-right and other extra-parliamentary groups.
