The United Kingdom yesterday banned Nigerian health and care workers from bringing their family members into the country.
Nigerians at home and in the UK have since taken to social media to react to the news, which most likely will discourage Nigerians from travelling to the UK
Some Nigerians already living abroad said the policy makes no sense as they regard it as unfair for the affected care workers.
The Government of the United Kingdom has barred emigrating health and care workers from bringing along dependants.
It described the development as a new law “to cut migration and tackle care worker visa abuse,” stating that a disproportionate 120,000 dependants accompanied 100,000 workers to the country in 2023.
Nigerians react
The announcement of the new policy has generated a wide range of reactions among Nigerians on social media.
In his comment, a Nigerian UK-based lawyer, Dele Olawale on his X account, @dolawanle, described the policy “as a home breaker and life destroyer.”
Mr Olawale said many marriages will be ruined, saying “many sold their belongings to relocate to the UK either as students or skilled workers.”
Also, Harvey Olufunmilayo with his X handle, @DrOlufunmilayo said, “I do not understand or endorse this particular policy as it makes zero sense to me.
“How can you say you want people to leave their countries to come to care for your families but you want the same people to leave their own families back in their home countries?
“Again it makes zero sense to me, but it is not my job to tell another country how to run their country. Their country, their choice.
“We as Nigerians only need to fix our own country so we would never be in this sort of situation where our lives and future will depend on the whims and caprices of another country’s decisions and policies.”
Reacting to the development, a Nigerian based abroad, Dipo Awojide, by username @Ogbenidipo on Instagram, quoted Dr Harvey Olufunmilayo on the issue.
He said:
“How can you say you want people to leave their countries to come care for your families, but you want the same people to leave their own families back in their home countries?
“Again, it makes zero sense to me, but it is not my job to tell another country how to run its own country. Their country, their choice. We as Nigerians only need to fix our own country so we would never be in this situation where our lives and futures will depend on the whims and caprices of another country’s decisions and policies.”
“That being said, again, if you or someone you know is planning to relocate to the UK to work as a career, please kindly let them know that the UK will no longer allow the person to bring their partner, children or family with them. Please kindly share this post with others.”
How Nigerians are reacting on Twitter
@ShehuSani said: “UK bans students from bringing family members. The UK bans health workers from bringing family members. Just go alone and come back alone.”
@Adasu_d_gr8 said: “This will affect Nigerians the most because Nigerians are the major people leaving this country because of our leaders in search of greener pastures.”
@E_ebukaa “UK bans students from bringing family members. The UK bans health workers from bringing family members. Meaning, go alone and come back alone.”
@dave43law said: “Only the Conservatives could bring in the ban on care workers having their dependents come to the UK with them on COMMONWEALTH DAY.”
@Ada_Ojilibeka said: “Immigrants with the experience and manpower you need will have to stop coming then. The UK isn’t the only place to go. Cos, how can you ask a person to come serve you but leave their families behind? How are they supposed to concentrate and do their best at the job?!! The people making these decisions don’t think things through at all.”
@Dieux_oint said: “Many people are going to get overworked because of this. Nurses are leaving the UK for the USA and other countries, and now the government is targeting the only workforce that supports Nurses. A huge thanks to all those working in the UK Healthcare system. You are highly appreciated.”
@Catchthewind7 said: “They are mainly talking about students who come over here on a visa and then bring in their parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins; it’s been going on in Cambridge for a long time; my daughter went to university here.”
