By John Ikani
The United Kingdom has explained why it temporarily suspended priority visas for students, work and family applications.
A statement issued by the British High Commission Abuja on its Facebook page, yesterday said the suspension became necessary to enable the UK prioritise applications made under the Ukraine family scheme in response to the humanitarian crisis arising from the invasion of Ukraine.
It however said it may consider expediting specific cases in extremely compassionate or compelling circumstances, such as in medical emergency.
The Ukraine family scheme allows applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK. They will also be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds.
While noting that customers with standard applications in study, work, and family routes may experience some delays in the processing of their application, the statement further noted that Nigerians, whose passports were ready for collection, would be contacted by the Visa Application Centre.
What the UK is saying
“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,” the statement read.
