Thousands of Nigerians working in the UK under Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Skilled Worker visas are facing growing uncertainty and fear following new immigration policies introduced by the British government.
In an effort to tighten immigration controls, the UK has removed over 100 job categories—including many skilled worker roles—from the list eligible for sponsorship, while simultaneously raising salary thresholds by at least 30% for other qualifying occupations. The changes affect various visa routes, including the Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas, and significantly raise the minimum skill level requirement from RQF Level 3–5 to Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree level).
Jobs now excluded from sponsorship eligibility include roles in agriculture, hospitality, logistics, certain health and social care positions, protective services like police and fire officers, as well as many creative and performing arts professions. Even some entry-level IT and customer service roles no longer qualify unless employers substantially increase salaries to meet the new, higher thresholds.
These adjustments mean that thousands of Nigerians currently employed in these sectors may be unable to renew their visas when their current sponsorships expire—putting their legal status and future in the UK in jeopardy. Visa sponsorships typically last between one and five years, and once expired, workers without valid visas risk becoming undocumented immigrants.
Many affected Nigerians have expressed panic and anxiety about their futures. Travel expert Kayode Alabi noted that while no immediate job losses have occurred, the looming visa renewal challenges threaten to displace large numbers of workers. He emphasized concerns that employers might struggle to meet the new salary requirements, which now stand at £41,700 for most skilled workers, up from figures in the mid-20,000s.
Personal stories underscore the widespread distress: Nigerian workers nearing the end of their sponsorships report fears of unemployment and forced return to Nigeria. One caregiver shared that her job has been delisted and she doubts finding a new sponsor before her visa expires. Another individual highlighted the crushing impact of the salary hikes on their ability to maintain legal employment status.
Industry observers warn that the new policies could prompt a significant exodus, with over 10,000 Nigerians potentially returning home or seeking alternative countries for employment. Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, pointed out that while the UK government aims to reduce net migration, the sudden tightening disproportionately affects Nigerians—a community that has long contributed to critical sectors such as healthcare and IT.
Okewole also noted that the higher salary thresholds may be unrealistic for many employers amid economic pressures, potentially limiting job opportunities for skilled Nigerian professionals. This shift could drive talented individuals to explore other global destinations as the UK becomes less accessible.
Families back home are also feeling the impact. A University of Ibadan student revealed that her mother, a caregiver in the UK, faces imminent job loss due to the delisting of her role, with uncertain prospects for renewal or new sponsorship. The emotional toll and anxiety ripple through households, amplifying concerns about financial security and long-term stability.
Overall, these regulatory changes expose the fragile balance between immigration policy and workforce needs, underscoring the real human costs behind bureaucratic reforms and highlighting urgent questions about the future of Nigerian workers in the UK.
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