News

UK Ban: How Nigerians Can ‘Japa’ With Dependants — Lawyer

Published

2 years ago

January 7, 2024

A United Kingdom-based immigration lawyer, Femi Aina, has revealed how Nigerians can travel to the UK with their family members.

This is coming as the UK Home Office announced on January 1 that it had commenced the implementation of its policy banning Nigerian students and other overseas students from bringing in dependants via the study visa route.

The PUNCH reported earlier that, in a post on X, the Home Office reiterated that only those on postgraduate research or government-sponsored scholarship students will be exempted from the development.

“We are fully committed to seeing a decisive cut in migration. From today, new overseas students will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK.

“Postgraduate research or government-funded scholarships students will be exempt,” the Home Office said.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the immigration lawyer disclosed that Nigerians could consider alternative routes if they desire to travel to the UK with their families.

According to Aina, applicants should consider other routes to migrate than going as a student or skilled worker.

He said some Nigerians could consider the investor route as an alternative means of traveling with dependants.

Aina added that those who have family members who are European Economic Area (EEA) nationals may consider a family permit to relocate to the UK with their loved ones.

“Applicants should consider an alternative route to migrate than going as a student or skilled worker. Those planning to go need to consider how long they want to be separated from their family.

“Some can consider the investor route as an alternative, some may consider a family permit if they have a family member who is an EEA national,” he said.

Aina disagreed with claims that the ban might be targeted at Nigerians who have been deserting the nation in droves because of the japa syndrome, saying it was for political reasons aimed at keeping the Conservatives in power.

“I won’t say it was targeted at Nigerians because, under the Equality Act 2010, it is against the law to discriminate against people on the basis of nationality. I will say it was done for political reasons so that the Conservatives will remain in power.

“Because the indigenous population is concerned about migrants influx, which is having a negative effect on resources. So, if action is not taken, the Conservative will lose the next election,” he stated.

Aina expressed concern that many Nigerians would be affected by the policy “because they will not be able to bring in their dependants,” saying the worst was that families would be separated.

“For instance, a wife in the UK, husband and children in Nigeria. If care is not taken, allegations of infidelity will surface, which will lead to family separation.

“Under international law, nations are under obligation to promote family life. The UK government’s new immigration law has an implication on family life. The UK government is aware; that is why they said that they will consider exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis,” he said.
PUNCH

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

3 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

3 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

4 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.