UK Ancestry Visa: 22 African Countries Whose Citizens Can Apply for the Scheme
- The UK government offers an Ancestry visa that allows eligible nationals to live and work in the country for up to 5 years
- Commonwealth citizens who can prove that a grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man qualify to apply
- Several African countries fall under Commonwealth membership, making their citizens potentially eligible for the scheme
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The United Kingdom (UK) government has a visa route that allows qualifying nationals, including citizens of several African countries, to live and work in the United Kingdom, and many eligible applicants may not be aware of its existence.
The UK Ancestry visa is open to six categories of foreigners, including citizens of African countries.
Source: UGC
UK ancestry visa: African countries eligible
Because a significant number of African nations are members of the Commonwealth, their citizens are directly covered by the scheme. The African countries whose nationals can apply for the UK ancestry visa include:
- Nigeria,
- Ghana,
- Kenya,
- South Africa,
- Uganda,
- Tanzania,
- Rwanda,
- Cameroon,
- Zambia,
- Malawi,
- Mozambique,
- Botswana,
- Namibia,
- Lesotho,
- Eswatini,
- Sierra Leone,
- The Gambia,
- Mauritius.
- Seychelles
- Togo
- Gabon
- Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is listed separately on the UK government's eligibility list, even though it was suspended from the Commonwealth in 2002 and formally withdrew in 2003, reflecting a distinct provision for Zimbabwean nationals.
What UK ancestry visa allows
Beyond meeting the nationality and ancestry requirements, people who are applying must also be aged 17 or over, intend to work in the UK, and be able to support themselves financially without relying on public funds.
The visa is granted for an initial period of five years and can be extended. After five years of continuous residence in the UK under this route, holders may become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which is a pathway to settling permanently in the country.
UK releases guide for new citizens
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the UK government has published a step-by-step guide for British nationals applying for their very first adult passport.
Applicants can choose between an online route costing £102 or a paper form option that costs significantly more at £115.50.
Source: Legit.ng
