Fear and Frustration: Nigerians in UK Battle Rising Racism and Tougher Immigration Crackdowns

Nigerians and other immigrants in the United Kingdom are living in growing fear as the once-promising nation faces a wave of racism and intensified immigration restrictions.

Nigerians—now the UK’s second-largest non-European immigrant group—are grappling with a double challenge: escalating racist behaviour within institutions and stringent visa policies that threaten their stability and future in Britain.

Data from the UK Office for National Statistics shows that as of June 2024, about 120,000 Nigerians resided in the UK, with over 52,000 arriving for work and education in that year alone. However, as laws tighten and hostility grows, many feel that the “British dream” is slipping from their grasp.

BBC Exposé Sparks Outrage

The sense of unease deepened after a BBC Panorama investigation exposed racism and misogyny among officers of the London Metropolitan Police. Undercover reporter Rory Bibb, who spent seven months at Charing Cross Police Station, secretly recorded officers making racist remarks about immigrants and Muslims, joking about rape, and even suggesting shooting migrants.

Following the exposé, Met Commissioner Mark Rowley issued an apology, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a “robust response.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the footage as “sickening,” vowing zero tolerance for discrimination or abuse of power.

Nigerians Describe ‘Dangerous Streets’

For many Nigerians, the report only confirmed what they already experience daily.
UK-based lawyer, Dele Olawanle, lamented the growing intolerance, saying, “The streets are now dangerous. We walk with fear and suspicion. Racism is creeping into every corner, even the courts.”

Another Nigerian, Victor Emmanuel, said racism was not limited to one police station. “Black and ethnic minorities across the UK face similar treatment. What was exposed is our everyday reality,” he said.

New Immigration Rules Deepen Anxiety

Tensions are rising further after Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood announced stricter conditions for migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain—Britain’s permanent residency. Applicants must now hold a job, have no criminal record, avoid benefits, and participate in community service.

The Labour government’s move, seen as an attempt to counter the far-right Reform UK Party, follows earlier reforms that raised the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold to £41,700 for most roles and £25,600 for health and care workers. These changes have left many Nigerians stranded, jobless, or forced to return home.

Migrants like Margaret, a UK resident of four years, said her Certificate of Sponsorship was suddenly invalidated. “Even if they want to target immigrants, it should be done fairly. Right now, it feels like we are being pushed out,” she said.

Another migrant, Avoseh Pesu, described the situation as a “war to stay,” adding that companies now hesitate to hire foreigners due to the high salary requirement.

Experts warn that the policy shift could trigger a wave of reverse migration among Nigerians. Education consultant Sulaimon Okewole said, “The sharp rise in salary thresholds and tougher residency rules could send thousands of Nigerians packing. Many are already considering leaving.”

Home Office data confirms a sharp decline in new Nigerian work visa approvals in early 2024, particularly in the Health and Care Worker category, reflecting the chilling impact of Britain’s new immigration regime.