Russian Invasion: UK Suspends Visa Applications In Nigeria To Prioritise Ukrainians

The United Kingdom Embassy in Nigeria has announced that it has temporary suspended the application of study, work, and family visas in the West African country.

UK Suspends Priority Visa Applications In Nigeria

In a statement on Tuesday, March 15, the UK said its priority is now being placed on applications made under the Ukraine Family Scheme which was launched in response to the humanitarian crisis arising from the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.

The statement titled, ‘Temporary Suspension of Priority Visas for Student, Work and Family Applications’, further noted that Nigerians, whose passports were ready for collection, would be contacted by the Visa Application Centre.

Ir reads, “UK Visas and Immigration is currently prioritising applications made under the Ukraine Family Scheme, following its launch and in response to the humanitarian crisis arising from the invasion of Ukraine.

“As a result, UKVI has temporarily suspended priority and super-priority services for new study, work, and family applications. Customers with standard applications in study, work, and family routes may experience some delays in the processing of their application.

“We are still currently unable to offer PV for visitor applications in Nigeria. Standard visitor visa applications are currently taking an average of six weeks to process.

“Applicants will be contacted by the Visa Application Centre (VAC) when their passport is ready for collection. They should not attend the VAC until they have been invited to do so.

“Where there are extremely compassionate or compelling circumstances (for example, a medical emergency), UKVI may consider expediting specific cases. However, the bar for this is high and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

“If a request is exceptionally urgent, applicants can contact UK Visas and Immigration for help. Please note that this is a chargeable service for overseas customers. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

KanyiDaily had reported that Russian troops are currently invading Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin ordered a special military operation in Donbas, killing thousands of military and civilians on both sides.