RismadarVoice Reporters
November 15, 2026
A 67-year-old blind Nigerian woman who has lived in the United Kingdom for 26 years could face another two decades of visa renewals before qualifying for permanent residency under the country’s revised immigration settlement framework.
The woman, identified by the pseudonym Comfort, arrived in Britain in 2000 and lost her sight shortly afterwards following acute glaucoma.
According to a report published by The Guardian on Saturday, she was granted permission to remain in 2022 under the UK’s long-residence immigration arrangements.
Under her existing route, she was required to renew her visa every 30 months over a 10-year qualifying period before applying for indefinite leave to remain.
However, changes announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood could extend her qualifying period, potentially leaving her in her 80s before she becomes eligible for permanent settlement.
Concerned about her age and disability, lawyers representing her through Refugee and Migrant Justice applied for immediate indefinite leave to remain under provisions allowing exceptional circumstances to be considered.
The Home Office rejected the application, initially suggesting that she could return to Nigeria because services for visually impaired people were available there.
However, the refusal letter mistakenly referred to India when assessing her access to medical treatment.
Comfort questioned the error, explaining that she had never visited India and had no personal connection to the country.
She said Britain had become her home after more than two decades of residence, during which she developed friendships, participated in church activities and undertook voluntary work.
Nick Beales, head of campaigning at Refugee and Migrant Justice, criticised the decision, arguing that requiring elderly and disabled migrants to continue renewing visas placed unnecessary burdens on vulnerable individuals.
He also questioned the Home Office’s handling of the application and the potential consequences of longer settlement periods.
Responding to the controversy, Home Office sources said corrective action was being taken to issue an updated letter.
A department spokesperson maintained that immigration applications were assessed individually in accordance with applicable rules and supporting evidence.
The UK government’s revised settlement framework generally extends the standard qualifying period while introducing different pathways based on applicants’ circumstances, conduct and contributions.
However, detailed implementation arrangements and transitional protections remain relevant to determining how the changes affect existing residents.
Comfort’s case has renewed concerns about the impact of immigration reforms on elderly migrants and people living with disabilities.
Her application for immediate permanent residency remains refused, while the precise effect of the revised settlement requirements on her future eligibility has yet to be established.
