Lawyer Advises Nigerians On Safe ‘Japa’ Strategies Amidst UK Ban For Those With Dependents

A UK-based immigration lawyer, Femi Aina, has outlined alternative routes for Nigerians to travel to the UK with their families following the recent policy implementation by the UK Home Office….CONTINUE READING

The Home Office officially banned Nigerian students and other international students from bringing dependants through the study visa route, effective January 1.

In a recent interview, Aina shared insights on potential options for Nigerians aspiring to travel with their families. He emphasized the need to explore alternative migration routes beyond student or skilled worker visas.

Aina suggested that some individuals might consider the investor route as an alternative means of traveling with dependants.

Additionally, Aina recommended that those with family members who are European Economic Area (EEA) nationals could explore the family permit option to relocate to the UK with their loved ones.

Contrary to claims that the ban might be targeting Nigerians due to the “japa syndrome” (mass migration), Aina dismissed such notions. Instead, he asserted that the policy was driven by political motives aimed at maintaining the Conservatives in power.

He argued that the Conservatives were responding to concerns from the indigenous population about the impact of immigration on resources, suggesting that failure to address these concerns might jeopardize the party’s chances in the next election.

Aina expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the policy on Nigerian families, emphasizing the possibility of separation and its consequences. He highlighted the risk of strained relationships, citing an example of a wife in the UK while the husband and children remain in Nigeria.

Aina underscored the importance of international obligations to promote family life, acknowledging that the UK government’s immigration law would affect family life. However, he noted that the government had pledged to consider exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis, recognizing the potential challenges posed by the new regulations.