The United Kingdom (UK) has clarified that only international students enrolling in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are permitted to bring their dependents into the country.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He explained that the recent policy alteration in the educational system, preventing international students in higher education from bringing dependents to the UK, aimed to address the rising number of foreign students doing so.
Montgomery emphasized that the significant increase in dependents was creating unsustainable pressure on many universities, leading to the introduction of these changes. Prior to his tenure as High Commissioner to Nigeria, he had engaged with universities regarding this policy adjustment, which had been under consideration for some time.
The envoy highlighted concerns expressed by university Chancellors about the challenges posed by large student populations, including accommodation shortages, access to healthcare services through the National Health Service, and schooling for dependents.
He clarified that the restrictions did not apply universally, noting that individuals pursuing long-term research degrees such as a PhD or doctorate remained unaffected.
Montgomery underscored the rationale behind the policy change, emphasizing its practicality given the UK’s extensive higher education sector, with many universities situated across various towns in the country.