Rethinking Migration and Development: The Socioeconomic Implications of Post-Brexit UK Immigration Policies for Nigeria

Abstract

Migration has long shaped Nigeria’s relations with the international community, influenced by colonial history, economic ties, and global mobility. The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union (Brexit) restructured its immigration system, prioritising skilled labour in sectors such as healthcare and education. For Nigeria’s young and mobile population, these reforms present both opportunities and challenges. This study, therefore, investigates the effects of post-Brexit UK immigration reforms on Nigerian migration and development. Using a qualitative case study approach, it draws on interviews with Nigerians in the UK and policymakers in Nigeria, selected through purposive sampling, alongside secondary data analysed thematically. Findings indicate that while the new system has opened legal pathways for skilled migration, promoted remittances, and encouraged diaspora participation, it has also exacerbated brain drain and reduced local capacity in key sectors, including health, IT, and education in Nigeria. The study highlights that while Nigerian migrants play an important role through remittances, the benefits are unevenly distributed. The study recommends that Nigeria invest in key sectors to address push factors and negotiate development-oriented migration agreements, while the UK should promote development-focused migration policies that balance its domestic needs with partnership goals.