UK Shuts Door on Nigerians in Sponsored Skilled Jobs

DDM News

Thousands of Nigerians working legally in the United Kingdom under the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) scheme now face an uncertain future, following sweeping reforms by the UK Home Office that took effect on July 22, 2025.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the new immigration rules, part of the UK government’s broader effort to reduce net migration, have removed over 100 skilled job titles from the list of eligible occupations for visa sponsorship.

This policy change directly threatens the stay of thousands of Nigerian professionals whose current visas depend on those job categories.

The affected job roles were previously classified within the RQF Levels 3 to 5 and included vital positions across sectors such as agriculture, forestry, logistics, hospitality, health care, law enforcement, the creative industries, and the arts.

Job categories delisted from sponsorship include managers and proprietors in agriculture, hospitality, and transport (SOC 1211–1258), as well as health-related jobs such as youth workers, dispensing opticians, and counsellors (SOC 3211–3224).

Also affected are law enforcement personnel like police officers and prison staff (SOC 3312–3314), and creative professionals including authors, dancers, translators, photographers, and designers (SOC 3411–3429).

Compounding the crisis, the UK government has also increased the salary threshold for most Skilled Worker visas from around £26,000 to a staggering £41,700 per year.

Although health and care workers are still required to earn a minimum of £25,600, this amount excludes deductions such as rent, transport, and other living expenses.

Travel expert and CEO of Phika Travels and Tours, Mr. Kayode Alabi, warned that many Nigerian workers may soon find themselves undocumented.

He clarified that no one has yet been deported, but the future looks bleak for workers whose jobs have been removed from the eligible list.

Once their current visa expires, Alabi explained, these individuals will be unable to renew or switch to another job in the same category, making deportation likely unless urgent alternatives are found.

He also raised concerns about whether UK-based employers will be able to meet the steep new salary thresholds.

Several Nigerians interviewed expressed deep anxiety and fear.

One caregiver whose visa expires in August shared her despair, noting that no new sponsors are available for her job type under the updated guidelines.

Another migrant, who arrived in February 2023, said he now has fewer than 12 months to secure a new job that meets the required salary levels, a task he described as “nearly impossible.”

The CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, Mr. Sulaimon Okewole, estimated that over 10,000 Nigerians could be forced to return home.

He noted that while the UK government’s goal to reduce migration might be understandable, the implementation lacks consideration for communities like Nigerians, who have contributed immensely to the UK workforce.

In Nigeria, the effects are already being felt.

A student from the University of Ibadan, Eniola, shared her pain over her mother’s situation.

Her mother, a caregiver in the UK since 2023, is now facing unemployment after her role was delisted.

“She’s worried she can’t find a new sponsor. She said her contract ends in November. From our last call, she was in tears,” Eniola said.

According to official UK data, a total of 26,715 Skilled Worker visas were issued to Nigerians in 2023—a sharp rise from 8,491 in 2022.

But the trend appears to be reversing in 2024, with notable declines in the issuance of Health and Care Worker visas in the first half of the year.

As the new regulations take hold, many Nigerian professionals in the UK are considering either returning home or migrating to more welcoming countries.

The drastic policy shift may trigger a wider rethink among Nigerians who previously saw the UK as a top destination for work and migration.

With livelihoods at stake and families at risk of separation, pressure is mounting on both UK and Nigerian authorities to respond to the crisis with clarity, compassion, and actionable alternatives.

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