Stricter visa rules introduced in 2025 are already taking a toll on Nigerian migrants, with many losing jobs or sponsorships overnight.
In July, the government raised the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas to £41,700 for most roles and £25,600 for health and care positions.
It also lifted the skill level requirement to degree-level jobs, cutting out lower-skilled but vital roles such as entry-level IT, admin, technical support, and care supervisors.
Many Nigerians now find themselves stranded, with some forced into costly “self-sponsorship” schemes requiring salaries above £41,700 — a near-impossible hurdle for most.
According to the UK Office for National Statistics, around 120,000 Nigerians live in the UK, with over 52,000 arriving in 2024 alone for work and education. But with tightening immigration laws and rising hostility, many now fear the “British dream” is slipping away.
