Thousands of Nigerian workers in the United Kingdom are facing an uncertain future following the UK government’s latest changes to its immigration policy, which has delisted over 100 job categories from the Certificate of Sponsorship scheme.
The revised regulations, which took effect on July 22, 2025, raise the salary threshold for skilled worker visas and eliminate many previously eligible roles, causing panic among migrant workers, particularly Nigerians.
Under the new rules, the minimum salary threshold for most Skilled Worker visa holders has jumped to £41,700, while roles within the health and care sector remain at £25,600.
However, employers must now ensure this amount is what the worker receives after deductions like housing and transportation.
A key aspect of the reform is the removal of jobs classified under RQF Level 3–5 unless they appear on a new Temporary Shortage Occupation List. Affected positions include managers and proprietors in agriculture, hospitality, and logistics; several healthcare and community roles such as opticians, youth workers, and counsellors; protective services like police officers and firefighters; as well as creatives including photographers, authors, actors, and translators.
A UK-based travel expert, Mr. Kayode Alabi, explained the implications for migrants currently in the country on a CoS visa. “Nigerians whose jobs are now ineligible under the new rules may be unable to renew their visas after their current sponsorship ends. If they cannot secure a new eligible role, they risk being classified as illegal immigrants,” he said.
Alabi, who heads Phika Travels and Tours, noted that many Nigerian migrants are increasingly anxious. “There is a genuine atmosphere of fear. People don’t know what will happen when their sponsorship ends. And with salary thresholds now significantly higher, employers may not afford to keep them even if their job category remains eligible.”
For some workers, the consequences are already setting in. A Nigerian caregiver based in the UK, whose sponsorship ends next month, revealed she has been unable to secure a new job due to the delisting of her role. “The new rules have closed all opportunities. I may have no option but to return home,” she said.
Similarly, another Nigerian worker who relocated to the UK in 2023 under a three-year sponsorship fears his time may be cut short. “My job is no longer eligible, and I doubt I’ll find another employer who can meet the new salary threshold before my visa expires next year,” he said.
Education and immigration expert, Mr. Sulaimon Okewole, warned that more than 10,000 Nigerians may be forced to return home or seek alternative destinations due to the policy shift. “This development is heartbreaking for many who had long-term career plans in the UK,” he said.
“The sharp increase in salary requirements and the reduction in eligible roles means UK employers may be less willing to sponsor foreign workers unless they adjust their pay structures – a difficult task amid rising inflation,” he added.
The impact is being felt by families back home in Nigeria. Eniola, a student of the University of Ibadan, expressed worry over her mother’s job security. “My mother, who has worked as a caregiver in the UK since 2023, says her role has been delisted. She doesn’t know if she can find a new sponsor after her current sponsorship ends in November.”
According to UK Home Office data, 26,715 Skilled Worker visas were issued to Nigerians in 2023, a significant increase from 8,491 in 2022. But new figures for 2024 indicate a decline, particularly in the issuance of Health and Care Worker visas.
