EDUCATION

Nigerian Student Faces Deportation from the UK for Exceeding Work Hour Limit

A Nigerian student studying in the United Kingdom, Enyi Onyinye Grace, has been ordered to leave the country after allegedly violating the UK’s immigration rule that limits international students to a maximum of 20 working hours per week.

Grace, who arrived in the UK in 2022 to pursue her academic goals, shared her emotional experience in a TikTok video where she opened up about her struggles since losing her father — her main sponsor — in 2023.

According to her, the journey that began with high hopes soon turned into what she described as “a hell of three years.” The death of her father left her without financial support, forcing her to work longer hours to pay tuition fees and living expenses.

“I came in 2022, and in 2023, my dad passed away. I had to continue working to survive and pay my school fees despite everything I was going through,” she said tearfully.
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Grace revealed that she could only attend her father’s burial virtually through a video call, describing the moment as one of the most painful experiences of her life.

“It was hard. I watched my father’s burial through a video call. I couldn’t travel home because I had school fees and rent to pay,” she said.
After her father’s death, Grace began working beyond the 20-hour weekly limit permitted for international students under the UK Tier 4 Student Visa rules. While trying to balance her studies and financial responsibilities, she unknowingly violated the visa conditions — a mistake that would later cost her education and stay in the UK.
“I overworked unknowingly. I thought everything was fine until they told me I had breached the immigration rules,” she explained.
Her visa was subsequently revoked, and she was asked to leave the United Kingdom immediately. Grace said immigration authorities did not allow her to complete her academic program despite her pleas.

“They didn’t listen to me. They told me to leave the country with immediate effect. I begged them to allow me to finish my studies, but they refused,” she added.
Following the order, she appealed to her university to permit her to complete her course online from Nigeria, but her request was also denied.

“I asked my university if they could allow me to finish online after returning to my country, but they said no,” she lamented.

Grace’s story has sparked reactions online, with many international students expressing fear and sympathy. Some noted that the rising cost of living in the UK, coupled with strict work restrictions, has made survival extremely difficult for foreign students.
Many Nigerian students studying abroad often rely on part-time jobs to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and daily expenses — especially when family sponsors can no longer afford the high cost of education overseas. However, exceeding the permitted work hours is considered a serious immigration offence in the UK, which can lead to deportation and a possible ban on re-entry.

Immigration experts have explained that under the UK’s immigration laws, students who breach visa conditions risk losing their right to remain in the country. The Home Office maintains that the 20-hour rule is designed to ensure students focus on their studies rather than full-time employment.
Still, advocates have called for more flexibility in the policy, especially for students facing financial hardship. They argue that international students contribute greatly to the UK economy through tuition payments and local spending, and deserve more support instead of punishment.
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Some social commentators have also urged the Nigerian government to strengthen local education systems so that students will not have to face such difficult experiences abroad.
Grace’s ordeal is a reminder of the challenges many African students face in foreign countries — balancing strict visa rules with economic realities. Her case continues to draw attention across social media platforms, with calls for empathy and reform in how international students are treated.

Despite the setback, Grace said she remains hopeful and determined to continue her education in the future, whether in Nigeria or another country that offers a fairer opportunity for foreign students.
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