UK names African countries whose citizens can apply for ancestry visa

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The UK government offers an Ancestry visa allowing eligible nationals to live and work in the country for up to five years

- Commonwealth citizens may qualify if they can prove that a grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man

- Several African countries are members of the Commonwealth, making their citizens potentially eligible for the visa scheme

The United Kingdom (UK) government has introduced an Ancestry visa, providing eligible nationals from various countries, including several from Africa, the opportunity to live and work in the UK.

Unfortunately, many potential applicants may be unaware that this visa route exists.

Eligibility for the Ancestry Visa

The Ancestry visa is accessible to individuals from six categories of foreign nationals, encompassing citizens of numerous African countries.

This is significant, as many African nations are Commonwealth members, thus qualifying their citizens for this visa scheme.

The countries from Africa whose nationals can apply 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

Interestingly, although Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth in 2002 and formally withdrew in 2003, it is still listed under the UK government's eligibility criteria for this visa, indicating a special provision for its citizens.

What the Ancestry Visa Entails

Applicants wishing to obtain the Ancestry visa must meet several criteria.

Firstly, they need to demonstrate that one of their grandparents was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man.

Additionally, applicants must be at least 17 years old, have plans to work in the UK, and possess the means to support themselves financially without resorting to public funds.

The visa permits holders to stay in the UK for an initial duration of five years, with the option to extend.

After this period, individuals may become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which is a crucial step towards permanent residency in the UK.

UK Lists People Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain

TUKO.co.ke reported that Commonwealth citizens who have lived in the UK for five years on an Ancestry visa can qualify to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

The article also explains that the Ancestry visa provides one of the routes through which eligible foreign nationals can eventually settle in the UK.

This makes it a useful follow-up to your story about the 22 African countries whose citizens may qualify for the Ancestry visa.

Source: Legit.ng

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.