The United Kingdom has announced a new immigration law that prohibits Nigerian students and other international students in the UK from bringing their family members as dependants except under particular circumstances. According to Sky News reports, this move is in line with the UK Government’s plan to reduce immigration into the country, which stands at approximately one million.

The new regulation stipulates that international students won’t be able to switch out from the student visa category to work routes before completing their studies to prevent the abuse of the visa system. In addition, a review of the maintenance requirements for students and dependents will be conducted, alongside a crackdown on unscrupulous education agents that make use of inappropriate applications to sell immigration, not education.

This decision is set to take effect from January 2024 to allow students commencing their courses in the UK enough time to plan and adapt to the changes. According to the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, in a written ministerial statement published on Tuesday, a recent report on immigration figures revealed an unexpected increase in the number of dependants coming to the UK alongside international students, making the regulation of the entry system necessary.

It is clear that these new migration rules will have significant implications for Nigerian students hoping to study in the UK. With the rising cost of studying abroad, coupled with the current economic climate, it’s a logical decision for the UK Government to regulate immigration, even if at the expense of student-family relations.