More than 10,000 Nigerians working in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa scheme may face deportation as the British government slashes eligible job roles.
The new regulation, which took effect on July 22, 2025, is part of the UK’s plan to reduce net migration. The move significantly tightens rules for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and Skilled Worker visas.
Under the updated policy, 121 job roles have been removed from eligibility for foreign sponsorship. The UK now requires jobs to meet RQF Level 6, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Previously, roles at mid-skill levels (RQF 3–5) were acceptable. This shift means only high-skilled positions now qualify for sponsorship.
Industries hardest hit include hospitality, agriculture, trades, creative arts, health associate roles, childcare, and administrative support. These sectors previously relied heavily on foreign workers, especially from countries like Nigeria.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the decision, stating it was necessary to protect local employment.
“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down and help us invest in domestic training,” Cooper said.
The scrapped occupations span a wide range of fields. They include:
Managers in agriculture, forestry, hospitality, and logistics
Health and welfare workers like youth workers, counsellors, and pharmacy technicians
Creative professionals such as dancers, authors, actors, translators, and designers
Public service roles including police officers, firefighters, and prison staff
Skilled Worker visa holders currently employed in these roles face uncertainty. Once their existing contracts expire, they may be unable to renew or switch roles unless they meet stricter criteria.
Employers, on the other hand, are urged to focus on domestic recruitment or offer higher salaries. The minimum salary threshold for most roles has now jumped to £41,700. Health and care workers remain at £25,600, but only after deductions for accommodation and transport.
Entry-level IT and customer service roles, once a popular path for many Nigerians, are also affected. These roles no longer qualify unless employers can meet the new pay and skill thresholds.
The crackdown comes amid growing political pressure in the UK to control immigration numbers. For Nigerians in Britain and those hoping to migrate, the road just got much tougher.