UK Opens Largest Visa Application Centre in Africa, Located in Lagos

The United Kingdom has inaugurated its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa, situated in Lagos, Nigeria. This development comes as the UK government continues its efforts to manage immigration levels and reduce net migration. The facility is expected to streamline visa application processes for Nigerians, who represent a significant portion of UK visa applicants.

Over the past year, the UK processed more than 225,000 visa applications from Nigerian nationals. This figure highlights Nigeria’s importance as a key market for UK visas, accounting for 5% of the global total for UK visit visas.

For many Nigerians, including students, obtaining a UK visa comes with significant financial implications. For instance, a Nigerian student applying for a UK Student Visa for a three-year undergraduate program would need to pay approximately £2,362. This amount includes a £490 visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £624 per year, totaling £1,872 for three years. These fees provide applicants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and must be paid upfront as part of the application process.

The new VAC, located in Ikeja, Lagos, was established through a partnership with VFS Global, the UK’s new commercial service provider. This centre complements an expanded network of visa application facilities in Nigeria, including those in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos. Operations at the Ikeja centre began on November 19, 2024, offering enhanced services to Nigerians seeking to travel to the UK.

During the launch event in Lagos, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter emphasized the importance of Nigeria as a key partner for the UK. He stated:

“I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”

Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), called the new VAC a significant milestone. He said:

“The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa. In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories, and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient, and meet the needs of all applicants.”

VFS Global’s Commitment

Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded partnership.

“We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in Nigeria. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Nigeria our best-in-class services.”

VFS Global will now manage UK visa application centres in 31 African countries, underscoring its commitment to providing accessible and efficient visa services across the continent.

This development reflects the UK’s dedication to fostering stronger ties with Nigeria while ensuring efficient immigration processes for applicants.