Nigerians planning to relocate to the United Kingdom have been cautioned to rethink their decision following the unveiling of stricter immigration reforms by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch.
UK-based financial adviser and public affairs analyst, Dipo Awojide, issued the warning on X (formerly Twitter), advising Nigerians not to hastily sell their assets or resign from stable jobs without proper research.
He said the UK’s changing political climate and policy direction no longer guarantee the same study-to-residency pathway many Nigerians once benefited from.
“If you must study abroad, consider other destinations,” Awojide wrote. “Do not rush to sell your property or resign your job because the UK system is becoming more restrictive.”
His advice comes after Badenoch announced her “Radical Borders Plan” at the Conservative Party’s conference in Manchester.
The proposal includes a new “Removals Force” modelled after the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which aims to deport about 150,000 illegal migrants annually.
Other key elements of the plan include:
Doubling the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years.
Tougher English language requirements.
Restrictions on permanent residency for those who have accessed social housing or government benefits.
Meanwhile, the Labour government, which also vowed to reduce net migration, is reportedly planning more reforms to student, work, and family visa categories.
These may involve higher financial thresholds, longer qualification periods, and stricter sponsorship regulations.
The proposals have triggered anxiety among the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, one of Britain’s largest African communities.
Many professionals and students fear the reforms could derail their settlement plans or make future residency more difficult.
In response, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) advised citizens to exercise caution and conduct due diligence before migrating.
The commission warned that overstaying visas or engaging in irregular work could result in deportation and legal penalties.
Critics argue that Badenoch’s plan may worsen labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and hospitality, which rely heavily on migrant workers.
However, supporters claim the new measures would help restore public trust in the UK’s immigration system.
Awojide clarified that his message was not meant to discourage migration entirely but to encourage Nigerians to plan wisely. “If you are already in the UK, stay calm but remain alert.
Those still in Nigeria should make informed choices before taking irreversible steps,” he said.
With immigration tightening and political uncertainty deepening, more Nigerians are reportedly exploring alternative destinations such as Canada, Australia, and select African countries with more predictable migration pathways.
The post Fresh Uproar as Kemi Badenoch Unveils Tougher UK Migration Rules first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
