Fear and uncertainty are spreading across African communities in Britain following the strong showing by the anti-immigration leaning Nigel Farage led Reform UK in recent local council elections.
Across cities including Birmingham, Manchester and London, many African migrants say the election outcome has triggered fresh anxiety about their future in the country, with some already considering relocation plans amid fears of tougher immigration policies and rising hostility towards foreigners.
“It feels like the atmosphere is changing very quickly,” said Chinedu Okafor, a Nigerian care worker based in Birmingham. “A lot of us are already discussing Plan B. Some are talking about Canada while others want to return home if things become unbearable.”
Reform UK made significant gains in several council areas during the elections, campaigning heavily on promises to slash migration, tighten border controls and reduce the use of migrant labour. The party’s rise has fuelled concerns among immigrants who depend on visas linked to healthcare, social care and low wage sectors.
According to recent figures from the UK Office for National Statistics, net migration into Britain reached more than 700,000 in 2023, with Nigerians among the fastest growing migrant groups. Thousands of Africans moved to Britain through study, healthcare and skilled worker routes in the past three years.
However, tougher immigration rules introduced by the Conservative government have already begun affecting migrants. New salary thresholds, restrictions on dependants and tighter visa conditions have left many foreign workers struggling to secure long term stability.
Community organisations say the election rhetoric has also contributed to growing fear among black and minority ethnic communities. Reports by anti racism groups including Hope Not Hate previously warned that anti immigrant political campaigns often lead to spikes in online abuse and social tensions.
In parts of London and Manchester, some Africans told reporters they now avoid discussing immigration issues openly at work or on public transport due to fear of hostility.
“We came here to work and build a future,” said Ghanaian student Ama Boateng in Manchester. “Now many people are worried that immigrants are becoming easy targets again.”
The May 7 poll delivered stunning victories for Reform UK in several traditional Labour strongholds. In Sunderland, a city long controlled by Labour, Reform seized power in dramatic fashion, winning 58 council seats while Labour was reduced to just five councillors.
The party also gained control of councils in Essex, Suffolk, Hartlepool and Newcastle under Lyme, signalling a major political shift driven largely by voter frustration over migration, rising living costs and pressure on public services.
Political analysts say Reform’s rise reflects growing public anger over record migration figures. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics showed that net migration to Britain remained above 700,000 in recent years, with Nigerians among the fastest growing groups arriving through study, healthcare and skilled worker routes.
For many Africans living in Britain, the rhetoric has triggered deep unease.
Some migrants also point to recent controversies involving anti immigrant remarks by certain Reform linked figures, including outrage over comments targeting Nigerians made by a victorious council candidate in Sunderland.
Anti racism campaign groups have repeatedly warned that harsh immigration rhetoric during election periods can fuel hostility towards ethnic minorities and migrants.
Despite the fears, Britain’s healthcare and social care sectors remain heavily dependent on overseas workers, particularly Africans. Thousands of Nigerians, Ghanaians and Zimbabweans currently work across the National Health Service and care homes facing chronic staff shortages.
Still, many migrants say the political direction of the country now feels uncertain.
“We came to Britain because it offered opportunities and stability,” said Kenyan student Miriam Otieno in Manchester. “But after these elections, many immigrants are asking themselves if the country still wants them here.”