UK govt to Nigerians: ‘Leave our country now or face deportation’

The UK Home Office has issued a strong warning to international students regarding the consequences of overstaying their visas, stating that such actions could lead to deportation.

In a significant move to address this issue, the government has launched a new outreach campaign. This initiative marks the first time that authorities are directly communicating with students via text messages and emails.

According to reports from the BBC, around 10,000 international students have already received these notifications alerting them about the impending expiration of their visas.

This proactive measure aims to ensure that students are aware of their visa status and the potential risks involved with overstaying.

In the coming months, tens of thousands more students are expected to receive similar messages, highlighting the government’s commitment to enforcing visa regulations and assisting students in navigating their immigration status.

“If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you,” the Home Office message reads.

It also warns that asylum claims “lacking merit” will be swiftly refused.

The initiative follows what ministers described as an “alarming” rise in students applying for asylum after their visas expire.

Data from the Home Office shows that between July 2024 to June 2025, 41,100 asylum claims were lodged by people who entered the UK legally on visas, with students making up the largest group.

In 2024, 16,000 asylum claims were filed by international students, nearly six times the figure recorded in 2020. Although the number has since dropped by about 10 percent, ministers say they want to see a further decline.

The department also noted a fall in asylum claims among skilled worker visa holders.

Earlier this year, the UK cut the length of time foreign graduates can remain in the country after completing their studies, from two years to 18 months.