More Nigerians have been granted British visas for their expertise in fashion than people from any other country, Telegraph analysis of official data shows.

Nigerians have applied for by far the highest number of global talent visas that offer entry to the UK for fashion designers, as well as being granted the most approvals.

The British Fashion Council – a not-for-profit company – has been given powers to endorse applications on behalf of the Home Office, which then has the final sign-off on granting the visas.

The council receives about £2 million each year from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to promote British fashion.