Full List: 22 African countries whose citizens can apply for a UK ancestry visa

The UK government is drawing attention to the UK Ancestry visa, an immigration route that allows eligible nationals, including citizens from a number of African countries, to live and work in Britain for up to five years.

After spending five continuous years in Britain on the UK Ancestry route, applicants may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent settlement.

Although Zimbabwe officially left the Commonwealth in December 2003, UK government guidance states that Zimbabwe remains included for the purposes of the ancestry route.