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UK Raises Visa Fees For Students, Tourists

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The United Kingdom’s government has announced an increase in the cost of student and tourist visas.

The pay for a student visa has been raised from £127 to £490, according to a statement released by the UK’s Home Office on Friday, while the fee for a visit visa for less than six months has been raised from £15 to £115.

“The changes mean that the cost for a visit visa for less than six months is rising by £15 (₦14,592.70) to £115 (₦111,878.28 ), while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will rise by £127 (₦123,537.58) to £490 (₦476,677.59), to equal the amount charged for in-country applications.”

According to the Home Office, the rises are the result of legislation passed by Parliament on Friday.

It stated that the fee increase will help the government to pay for essential services and prioritize greater money for the public sector.

According to the statement, income from fees collected is critical to the Home Office’s ability to administer a sustainable immigration and nationality system.

The revisions come less than six months after the United Kingdom announced increases in visa application fees and health levies.

The Home Office also stated that when determining fees, care is taken to minimise the funding contribution from British taxpayers while continuing to provide a service that is appealing to people desiring to work in the UK and supports broader prosperity for all.

“Today’s changes do not include the planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which are scheduled to be introduced later in the Autumn,” the statement added.
Full statement

Increases to immigration and nationality fees to pay for vital services and allow more funding to be prioritised for public sector pay rises are set come into effect on 4 October, following legislation being laid in Parliament today (15 September).

The changes mean that the cost for a visit visa for less than six months is rising by £15 to £115, while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will rise by £127 to £490, to equal the amount charged for in-country applications.

In July, the government announced a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship.

Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system.

Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.

The changes include:

Fees for up to 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 year visit visas.
The majority of fees for entry clearance and certain applications for leave to remain in the UK including those for work and study.
Fees for indefinite leave to enter and indefinite leave to remain.
Convention travel document and stateless person’s travel document.
Health and Care visa.
Fees in relation to certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies.
The in and out of country fee for the super priority service and the out of country fee for the priority service. The settlement priority service will reduce so it is aligned with the cost of using the priority service.
Applications to Register and Naturalise as a British Citizen.
The fee for the User Pays Visa Application service.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the immigration and nationality fees will increase from 4 October 2023. Today’s changes do not include the planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which are scheduled to be introduced later in the Autumn.

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Emirates, Air Peace sign interline agreement to boost Nigeria-UAE connectivity

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Emirates Air Peace partnership

Emirates and Air Peace have signed an interline agreement to enhance travel connectivity across Nigeria and the UAE, offering seamless ticketing and baggage transfers

 

The **United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Emirates airline** has partnered with **Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace**, through a new **interline agreement** aimed at enhancing travel connectivity between the two nations.

This strategic alliance will enable **seamless single-ticket travel** and **simplified baggage transfers**, providing passengers with expanded access to destinations across Nigeria and beyond.

The partnership **expands Emirates’ reach** to **13 additional cities in Nigeria**, allowing passengers traveling from **Dubai to Lagos** to easily continue their journey to:

– **Southern Nigeria:** Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Owerri
– **Northern & Central Nigeria:** Ilorin, Kaduna, Kano, Abuja
– **South-South Nigeria:** Uyo, Port Harcourt, Warri

This expansion is expected to benefit **corporate travelers, tourists, and Nigerians visiting family**, offering greater flexibility and convenience.

Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer for **Emirates, Adnan Kazim**, described the agreement as a significant milestone in strengthening the **aviation, tourism, and trade relationship** between **Nigeria and the UAE**.

*“Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade, and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace bolsters our connectivity and introduces more travel options for corporate and leisure travelers, as well as those visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria. We look forward to deepening our strategic partnership with Air Peace in the future to enhance benefits for our mutual customers.”*

Chief Operating Officer of **Air Peace, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olamide**, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to improve connectivity for Nigerian travelers.

*“This strategic partnership aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network.By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.”*

She also noted that the agreement reinforces **Nigeria’s aviation sector**, positioning the country as a critical hub for both **regional and global travel**.

Emirates will operate the **Dubai-Lagos route** using its **Boeing 777-300ER**, known for **luxurious in-flight experiences**, while **Air Peace** will offer seamless domestic and international connections with its diverse fleet, including **Airbus 320s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328-300 Jets, Embraer 145s, and Embraer 195-E2s**.

This **interline agreement between Emirates and Air Peace** represents a **significant step forward** in **Nigeria’s aviation industry**, offering improved accessibility, **enhanced trade opportunities**, and **greater travel convenience** for passengers flying between **Nigeria and the UAE**.

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Miss Africa pageant returns: 19 contestants to showcase African excellence

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Miss Africa 2025

Miss Africa 2025 returns with 19 contestants from across Africa, celebrating unity, talent, and the rich diversity of African heritage

 

 

The highly anticipated Miss Africa pageant is set to make a grand return on 20 April, featuring 19 talented contestants from across the continent.

Also read: 12-Year-Old Jessica Mazoje crowned tourism Queen at little Mr and Miss Africa-Nigeria 2024 pageant

This year’s edition promises a spectacular celebration of African unity, culture, and diversity, with Nigeria’s Sopuruchi Agoauwuike among those vying for the prestigious crown.

Brand Manager of Miss Africa Production, Mr Femi Oyelade, announced the details in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He emphasised that the contestants represent a rich tapestry of African heritage, from Algeria to Zimbabwe.

“These exceptional ambassadors reflect the essence of African excellence, celebrating a rich blend of cultures, traditions, and values,” Oyelade said.

 

The Contestants

 

The lineup includes:
– **Maria Boudoduay** (Algeria)
– **Emiliana Antonio** (Angola)
– **Lindie Motswaeng** (Botswana)
– **Theresa Ange** (Cameroon)
– **Tity Muzadi** (Congo)
– **Nafkot Sintayehu** (Ethiopia)
– **Sarah Akinyi** (Kenya)
– **Oumou Magassy** (Mali)
– **Khadijiatou Ndiaye** (Mauritania)
– **Chaimaa Hejam** (Morocco)
– **Silvia Ernesto Linha** (Mozambique)
– **Delsie Somaes** (Namibia)
– **Mariam Abdou** (Niger)
– **Sopuruchi Agoauwuike** (Nigeria)
– **Ashimwe Michelle** (Rwanda)
– **Aisha Osman Ikow** (Somalia)
– **Kamogelo Matinketsa** (South Africa)
– **Wiza Nawila** (Zambia)
– **Kundai Benhura** (Zimbabwe)

 

Beyond Beauty

 

Oyelade highlighted that the contestants were selected through a rigorous process evaluating not only their physical beauty but also their intellectual prowess, leadership qualities, and commitment to social causes.

Throughout the pageant, participants will engage in challenges, workshops, and community outreach programmes to showcase their talents and advocacy skills.

“This year’s event will be a memorable celebration of African unity, featuring stunning performances, special guest appearances, and a vibrant display of African fashion,” Oyelade added.

 

Join the Celebration

 

The organisers invite audiences across the continent to follow the journey of these remarkable women, cheer for their favourite contestants, and celebrate the richness of African heritage.

For updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, follow **Miss Africa Production** on social media @missafricaproduction.

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Detty December in Lagos boosts economy, tourism, entertainment

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Detty December Lagos 2024

Lagos sees record-breaking tourism, aviation, and entertainment revenue during Detty December 2024, becoming a top holiday destination in Nigeria

 

The vibrant and festive season of Detty December, coined by Nigerians, has become a major driver of the country’s economy, especially in Lagos and surrounding regions.

This period, spanning December to early January, draws both locals and Nigerians in the diaspora to Lagos for an array of music festivals, weddings, and recreational activities, marking it as a peak season for tourism and entertainment in the state.

Businesses from hospitality to aviation eagerly prepare for their busiest period of the year, with the influx of visitors significantly boosting sectors like hospitality, tourism, and entertainment.

In December 2024, the impact of Detty December on Lagos’ economy was undeniable, generating millions of dollars across various industries.

According to reports, Lagos hotels alone raked in $44 million in revenue during this festive season. Short-let apartments contributed an additional $13 million, while the tourism and entertainment sectors collectively brought in an impressive $71.6 million (N111.5 billion).

These figures underscore the transformative economic influence of Detty December on the South-West region of Nigeria.

The surge in tourism during the festive season also had a profound impact on air travel. International flights to Lagos from Europe, London, and the United States were “full to the brim,” with high demand despite the elevated flight fares resulting from the exchange rate. Airlines responded by increasing capacity to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

Delta Air Lines, for example, ran daily nonstop flights between New York and Lagos, while United Airlines expanded its services from Lagos to Washington, D.C. This surge in demand was largely attributed to the large Nigerian diaspora, particularly in London and the US.

Local flights within Nigeria also saw a price hike, as travellers scrambled to secure seats for their holiday journeys. Some passengers, like Sarah Effiong from Akwa Ibom, had to pay over N120,000 for a one-way flight from Uyo to Lagos—an eye-watering sum reflecting the soaring demand.

Lagos’ hospitality industry was another major beneficiary of Detty December. Hotels around key areas such as Ikeja and the airport were fully booked, with many visitors unable to find accommodations upon arrival. This underscored the overwhelming demand for lodging in Lagos, as both residents and visitors flocked to the city.

Meanwhile, the city’s entertainment scene was buzzing with numerous music festivals featuring some of the biggest Afrobeats stars, including Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, and Ayra Starr. Spotify’s 2024 data showed a 114% growth in Afrobeats music globally, with Nigerian artists dominating international charts.

Lagos hosted an astonishing 58 music events during the Detty December period alone. Popular events included Joeboy Lavida Experience, Rema Live in Concert, and The Cavemen Live in Lagos.

However, the cost of attending these events was considerable, with ticket prices ranging from N50,000 to N100,000, not accounting for the additional surge in Uber fares due to increased demand and higher fuel prices.

One standout event was Flytime Fest, with international and local superstars such as Gunna, Davido, Olamide, and Ayra Starr headlining the four Flytime Fest concerts.

Ticket prices for these concerts ranged from N120,000 to N300,000 for the VIP section, with VVIP tables priced between N3 million and N35 million.

The Greater Lagos Countdown, an annual free music and fireworks festival, added to the city’s festive vibrancy. Held on December 31, 2024, the event attracted top artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage, culminating in an unforgettable New Year’s celebration.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his gratitude to the artists and residents, highlighting the electrifying energy that Lagos exudes during this period.

Meanwhile, the city’s cinema industry also saw a major boost, with FilmOne Entertainment reporting record-breaking box office revenue in December 2024, amounting to N2.8 billion.

This was driven by the success of films like Everybody Loves Jenifa and Mufasa, both of which performed strongly at the box office.

Beyond the music and entertainment, Lagos’ tourist attractions also benefited from the influx of visitors. Popular destinations like art galleries, beaches, and recreational parks witnessed a surge in attendance during Detty December, further cementing Lagos as a top tourism destination in Nigeria.

Sarah Effiong, who experienced Detty December for the first time, shared her excitement about the events and locations she visited, including the Lady Donli concert, the Cavemen performance, and the La Campagne Tropicana Resort.

“Lagos is quickly becoming a top city to visit,” she said, reflecting the growing reputation of the city as a cultural and entertainment hub.

As Detty December continues to grow in popularity, Lagos is undoubtedly cementing its status as a prime holiday destination in Nigeria.

The period’s economic contributions across aviation, hospitality, entertainment, and tourism highlight its importance to the region.

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