A Nigerian living in the United Kingdom, Toyyib Adelodun, has spoken out about the financial strain migrants endure, particularly regarding visa application expenses and related costs.
In a video posted on his TikTok account on Friday, Adelodun highlighted the high costs associated with obtaining post-study work visas, shedding light on the economic challenges faced by international students and their families.
“This UK, you are one visa application away from emptying all your bank account,” Adelodun remarked as he broke down the expenses incurred by those pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK.
He noted that after paying tuition fees of up to £15,000 for a master’s degree, international students are required to pay an additional £2,800 to secure a two-year post-study work visa.
This includes an £800 application fee and a yearly NHS surcharge of £1,000.
“If you have a wife, they will do the same. If you have a child, they will do the same,” he said, explaining that a family of three could spend more than £6,000 for the same visa.
Adelodun expressed concern over the financial toll, pointing out that some students return to their home countries because they cannot afford the fees.
“There are people that have gone back home because they couldn’t raise that money, and they just need that two years’ experience on top of their master’s to be able to work and get UK experience to increase their value in the global marketplace,” he said.
He also addressed misconceptions about migrants, stressing the significant financial contributions they make.
“Migrants, they pay through their nose to even be able to get anything. They don’t have recourse to public funds and they are paying all these fees,” he stated, adding that applying for indefinite leave to remain comes with an additional cost of £2,800.
Adelodun also touched on the expectations migrants face from their families back home.
“You hear some people back home say, ‘Ah, he lives in the UK, his brother is doing wedding, his sister is doing wedding, he cannot send any money.’ I’m thinking, how do we resolve this kind of issue? We need to deal with ourselves with empathy,” he said.
He concluded with advice and encouragement for migrants, urging patience and support.
“It takes time to figure out what is going on when you move to a brand-new country. Be patient with yourself. Find some good people around you. It’s not easy in this land. God help us,” Adelodun said.
