UK Launches Campaign Against Visa Overstayers
The United Kingdom government has warned international students — including thousands of Nigerians — not to overstay their study visas, stressing that offenders risk detention and deportation.
According to the BBC, the UK Home Office has launched a campaign to directly contact foreign students via emails and text messages, reminding them of the consequences of overstaying their visas.
Why the UK is Cracking Down on Overstayers
The move comes amid an alarming increase in asylum claims by students whose study visas have expired. Official Home Office statistics show that about 14,800 people — 13% of asylum applications between January and June 2025 — were filed by individuals who originally entered the UK on study visas.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the trend as “alarming,” noting that many students are applying for asylum “even when conditions in their home countries remain unchanged.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Immigration Stand
This crackdown follows a series of tough measures introduced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently vowed to strengthen border controls and reduce illegal migration.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Starmer warned:
“My message is clear: Illegal entry means detention. Illegal work means arrest. Foreign national offenders will be deported.”
Earlier in May, Starmer also announced the end of Britain’s open border policy, alongside:
• Stricter visa rules
• Compulsory English language test for all applicants
• The removal of over 100 job roles from the UK’s immigration system
Impact on Nigerian Students
Nigerian students, who make up one of the largest groups of international students in the UK, are particularly affected by these new rules. In 2024, the UK government had already suspended the recruitment of caregivers from Nigeria and other countries, citing cases of abuse and exploitation.
With the latest measures, overstaying a visa or attempting to file for asylum without credible grounds could lead to swift deportation.
What This Means for Students
• Do not overstay: International students must leave the UK when their visas expire.
• Avoid asylum misuse: Filing for asylum without valid reasons may trigger automatic rejection and deportation.
• Prepare early: Nigerian students are advised to plan ahead for visa renewals, graduation extensions, or departure.
Conclusion
The UK government’s warning to Nigerian students and other international visa holders underscores its renewed zero-tolerance stance on immigration abuse. With stricter enforcement policies under Prime Minister Starmer, overstaying visas or misusing asylum claims could have serious consequences — including detention and deportation.
