Nigerian students in the United Kingdom have been affected by the UK government's decision to reduce the Graduate Route visa duration from two years to 18 months, as announced on Monday in a new Immigration White Paper.

The policy change is part of a comprehensive crackdown on what UK authorities described as "systemic abuse and mission drift" across international education, asylum, and family immigration systems.

"Migration must be controlled and compliant. Our reforms will close the back doors and shut down abuse across the system," the Home Office stated on its official website.

The Graduate Route, which previously allowed international students to remain in the UK for two years after completing their studies, will now offer only 18 months. The new policy also implements stricter pathways to work visas and reduces rights for graduates to bring dependants.

In justifying the changes, the UK government claimed that "The Graduate Route has not met its original objectives. It has become a loophole for unsponsored work and a magnet for abuse."

The new regulations will also affect educational institutions. Only those meeting "enhanced compliance standards" will be permitted to retain their international recruitment licenses. Universities found to have low progression-to-work rates or engaged in misleading recruitment practices will face sanctions.

This policy shift comes as a significant blow to Nigerian students, who form one of the largest international student communities in the UK. The reduced post-study work period will likely impact their ability to gain valuable work experience and potentially secure long-term employment in the UK after graduation.

The changes are expected to take effect immediately, affecting current and prospective Nigerian students planning to study in the United Kingdom.