The reform, which takes effect from Tuesday, November 25, 2025, removes the previous requirement for students to depart the country before applying.
This visa allows them to remain in the UK for three years and potentially qualify for settlement, provided they secure the support of an approved endorsing body.
The policy shift has prompted a spectrum of reactions across Africa. On social media, some have heralded it as a game-changer for African students hoping to build startups abroad.
In contrast, others view it through a more critical lens, citing concerns about exploitation, brain drain, and the actual long-term benefits.
African reactions
In Lagos, Mary Parker expressed her cautious optimism on Facebook, saying: “If you start up any business na tax go pursue come back but you can still try.”
Meanwhile, Joel Ighere, a Nigerian in the UK, described the move as “a quiet game-changer,” noting that it offers more than just visa flexibility, “the access to networks, funding opportunities, and a stable environment for startups.”
From South Africa, Gift Letsoalo offered a cryptic but pointed comment: “The regret they’re gonna regret is still regretting to regret them of the regret,” signaling deeper frustrations with past promises.
On a more sarcastic note, Collins Ederaro, a Nigerian, wrote: “They still think we see their country as heaven,” using laughter to underscore his skepticism.
Not all reactions were enthusiastic as Manne King, a Ghanaian resident in Accra, shared on Facebook that after spending eight years in the UK, he would discourage anyone from moving there: “just stay in your home country and build yourself from scratch … there is no greener pastures anywhere but it’s at home…. Home sweet home.”
In contrast, Pasi Chigare, a Zimbabwean, framed the change as a potentially positive force for his continent. He argued it could help African students return home later with “knowledge, exposure, and innovative capacity … to confront the structural and developmental challenges” facing their countries.
On Instagram, the debate has also been intense, with Carlos Lopes urging, “African students, go back to Africa and launch your startups in Africa.”
Others, like @Godsonsworld, lamented leadership failures in their home countries, while @AizenTheArtisan claimed the UK aims to control innovations generated by African students.
@Ads Aficionado went further, accusing the British government of a historic pattern of exploitation: “Now, it’s another campaign of Brain Draining Africa … Shameless blood-lickers!”
A final voice, @olaegbowon, warned simply: “Another brain drain!! Wake up, Africans.”
What’s at stake
These reactions reveal a deep ambivalence among Africans. On the one hand, some view the visa reform as a transformative opportunity, a pathway to build businesses, access global markets, and potentially return home with valuable experience.
For others, the change is tainted by distrust, as concerns persist that the UK is merely optimising its gain under the guise of “flexibility.” At the same time, African countries continue to lose talent.
This visa reform may make it easier for them to stay and scale their businesses. Still, it doesn’t erase broader inequalities and systemic issues that many Africans believe push talent abroad in the first place.
