The United Kingdom, UK, has said that only international students pursuing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies are eligible to bring dependents into the country.
Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
He stated that the educational system policy change earlier this year requiring international students in higher education not to bring dependents into the UK was intended to reduce the number of foreign students bringing dependents.
The envoy stated that the massive increase in dependence was imposing unsustainable strain on many universities, which is why these measures were implemented.
According to him, before his posting as High Commissioner to Nigeria, he had spoken to some of these universities on the policy change, which had been in the pipeline for some time.
Montgomery noted that the universities Chancellors had complained of the huge student populations’ highlighting that accommodation was a huge challenge, access to medical services under the National Health Service and access to school if they brought in dependents.
According to him, the restrictions do not apply to all categories, adding that those doing a long term research degree, like a PhD, or doctorate were not affected.
“Those coming to the UK for doctorate can still bring their dependency but if you are coming to the UK with a study visa for an undergraduate degree, or short term master’s degree am afraid the rules have been changed.
“People need to understand why this change was brought in, and it is a sensible change because we have a large higher education sector and most of these universities are in towns across the country,” he added.