UK commits to efficient visa services

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering strong relationships and ensuring efficient, customer-focused visa services to Nigerians.

This is contained in a statement signed by Onyinye Madu, Senior Communications Officer at the British High Commission on Thursday in Abuja.

Madu said the commitment was made during the visit of Marc Owen, Director of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), to Nigeria, one of the UK’s largest visa markets.

Owen met with key stakeholders in Abuja and Lagos to discuss UK visa developments, including the global eVisa rollout and maintaining the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.

He emphasised the benefits of digitising records, such as birth and death certificates, and enhancing how records are stored, transmitted, and verified.

During his visit, Owen also toured the English language test centre at the British Council office and engaged with student councillors and UK university agents.

In Lagos, he met with stakeholders from the UK Joint Border Task Force (JBTF) and key business leaders, and visited the newly inaugurated UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja.

Owen cautioned visa applicants to be vigilant and reiterated the importance of using only official UKVI channels when applying for UK visas to prevent visa fraud and fake travel agents.

His visit marks a new chapter in UK-Nigeria collaboration, with promises of greater engagement and impactful outcomes.