The United Kingdom has once again calmed the frayed nerves of Nigerians on visa issuance by assuring the country of its continuous effort towards efficient visa services.

Director of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Marc Owen reaffirmed his country’s dedication towards fostering strong relationships and ensuring efficient, customer-focused visa services to Nigerians

This was contained in a statement released in Abuja by the Senior Communications Officer at the British High Commission, Onyinye Madu

According to the statement, Owen, during the visit to Nigeria, described the country as one of the UK’s largest visa markets.

Owen met with key stakeholders in Abuja and Lagos to discuss UK visa developments, including the global eVisa rollout and maintaining the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.

He emphasised the benefits of digitising records, such as birth and death certificates, and enhancing how records are stored, transmitted, and verified

Owen also toured the English Language test centre at the British Council Office and engaged with student councillors and UK university agents.

He met with stakeholders from the UK Joint Border Task Force (JBTF) in Lagos and key business leaders. Owen also visited the newly inaugurated UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja.

Owen then cautioned visa applicants to be vigilant and reiterated the importance of using only official UKVI channels when applying for UK visas to prevent visa fraud and fake travel agents.