West Africa-Europe sea migration falls 59%; Nigerians hit by UK, US curbs
The IOM reported on October 13, 2026 that sea arrivals from Mali, Senegal, Guinea and The Gambia to Europe dropped 59% in the first half of 2026 to 4,566 people, down from about 11,137 in the same period of 2025. The breakdown showed 1,589 Malians, 1,184 Senegalese, 1,076 Guineans and 919 Gambians. While the Atlantic route remained the main path (83% of arrivals), the share of West African migrants on the Western Mediterranean Route rose from 15.6% to 21.9% and on the Central Mediterranean Route from 8.6% to 10.5%, suggesting a shift to potentially riskier crossings.
This matters to Nigerians because, despite fewer West Africans using the sea route, many still face exploitation and assisted return programmes have helped over 60,300 Nigerians come home since 2017—up from roughly 16,800 in December 2020. At the same time, the UK raised the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold to £41,700 and required degree-level jobs, ended overseas care worker applications, and cut the Graduate visa to 18 months from January 1, 2027. The USCIS denied 35,767 work permit applications from foreign nationals seeking Green Cards between April and June 2026.
Nigerians should weigh the dangers of irregular migration, consider assisted return if stranded, stay updated on UK and US visa changes, explore legal pathways that meet new criteria, and monitor official sources for policy updates before deciding to relocate.