UK Immigration: Emdee Tiamiyu apologises after backlash

YouTube influencer Emdee Tiamiyu has apologised for saying in a BBC interview that Nigerians migrating to the United Kingdom use schooling as a ploy to gain entry into the country.

Tiamiyu’s comments went viral on Tuesday as the UK has now enacted a law that will prevent Nigerian students, and others studying in the UK, from bringing family as dependents except under specific circumstances.

The law will take effect January 2024.

Tiamiyu apologised for his comments in a video he shared on his YouTube page on Wednesday following backlash.

The YouTuber, who is known for advising Nigerians on studying in the United Kingdom, said he granted the interview to speak on the challenges that the black community genuinely face.

He said, “I am doing this from the reflections and the truthfulness of my heart that you have seen in the interview/ news feature. Please, I am sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

“If what you have seen being circulated has made you uncomfortable in any way at all, I am sorry, deeply and sincerely sorry.

“And why do I say sorry, because for whatever pain that you feel, I feel even more, because if I meet you in person if we were able to sit in the same space, probably engage, there is nothing in my heart for you other than love, progress and positive support. People who know me in the world know that this is what I have got.

“There is no other motivation than to grant an interview to speak on the challenges that we genuinely face as a black community back at home and also in the UK.”