Thousands of Nigerians working in the United Kingdom under the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and Skilled Worker visa schemes are grappling with uncertainty following sweeping changes to UK immigration policy.
Effective July 22, 2025, the UK Home Office has removed over 100 skilled job roles from CoS eligibility and raised salary thresholds, putting many Nigerian professionals at risk of job loss and potential deportation.
This reform is part of what Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has described as a “complete reset of the immigration system.”
The new regulations, aimed at reducing net migration, have eliminated lower-skilled roles previously classified at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3–5, unless they appear on a newly created Temporary Shortage Occupation List.
Affected sectors include healthcare, agriculture, hospitality, logistics, and the creative industries. Additionally, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas has increased from £38,700 to £41,700, while health and care roles require a minimum of £25,600 after deductions.
According to UK Home Office data, 26,715 Nigerians were granted Skilled Worker visas in 2023, a sharp rise from 8,491 in 2022. However, visa issuances have declined in 2024, particularly for Health and Care Worker roles, with the new rules expected to exacerbate this trend.
Kayode Alabi, a UK-based travel agent, warned, “At the end of their current sponsorship, those whose jobs have been removed from CoS eligibility will not be able to find a new job in that category, and their visa will not be renewed. If you don’t have a valid visa, you become an illegal immigrant.”
Nigerian professionals have expressed growing panic. Banjo Fola, whose visa is nearing expiration, told PUNCH, “My employer has said he cannot afford the new salary threshold. It is very hard. I don’t even know what to do.” A caregiver, facing visa expiration in August, added, “The new regulation has made it impossible to get a new job because of the salary threshold. I may likely return home.”
Okewole, a UK-based analyst, estimated that over 10,000 Nigerians could be affected, noting, “The sharp rise in salary thresholds could mean fewer job offers unless UK employers adjust pay scales, which may be tough in an economy dealing with inflation.”
He urged dialogue to address the impact on Nigerians, who have made significant contributions to the UK workforce.
Transitional arrangements allow current Skilled Worker visa holders in affected roles to renew visas or change jobs, but new applicants must meet the heightened RQF Level 6 (graduate-level) requirement.
The end of overseas recruitment for care workers, prompted by concerns over sector exploitation, further limits opportunities.
As the UK tightens its immigration landscape, many Nigerians are now forced to consider returning home or seeking opportunities elsewhere, raising concerns about the future of African professionals in the UK.
