Thousands of Nigerians working in the United Kingdom under Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and Skilled Worker visas are currently in distress following new immigration regulations introduced by the UK government.
The British government, in a bid to reduce immigration, has removed over 100 job roles from the CoS eligibility list and raised the salary threshold for other roles by at least 30 per cent. The new policy took effect on July 22, 2025.
According to the new rules, lower-skilled roles previously listed under RQF Levels 3–5 are no longer eligible for sponsorship, except for those captured under a newly created Temporary Shortage Occupation List. Jobs affected include roles in agriculture, hospitality, health, protective services, creative arts, logistics, and social work.
The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa holders has been increased to £41,700, while the threshold for health and care workers remains at £25,600. However, employers in the health sector must now prove that this salary figure is paid after deductions such as accommodation and transport.
Entry-level roles in customer service, IT support, and administration are among those now disqualified from sponsorship unless employers increase salaries to meet the new requirements. Additionally, the skill level for eligible jobs has been raised from RQF Level 3 to Level 6, equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree.
Affected Nigerians Voice Fears
Many Nigerians in the UK have expressed deep concern over their future. Some say their current jobs have been removed from the list, while others fear they may not be able to renew their visas if their employers cannot meet the new salary thresholds.
A UK-based travel consultant, Mr Kayode Alabi, said that although no Nigerians have been sacked yet, many could be forced to leave when their current sponsorship expires.
“Once their contract ends, those on delisted job roles may not find eligible employment for visa renewal. Without a valid visa, they risk becoming illegal immigrants,” Alabi, who is the CEO of Phika Travels and Tours, said.
He also raised concerns that even for jobs still eligible, employers may struggle to pay the new wage demands. “Someone earning £25,000 might not find an employer willing to pay £41,700 when it’s time to renew. That’s a big issue,” he added.
“We Are Scared,” Say Nigerians in the UK
Several Nigerians in the UK who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed fear over what lies ahead.
A Nigerian caregiver said her visa would expire in August and that her job had been removed from the CoS list. “I have tried to find another job, but with the new rules, it’s been very hard. I may have to return home,” she said.
Another Nigerian, Mr Banjo Fola, said his employer had already informed him that the company could not afford to pay the new salary threshold when his visa expires.
Similarly, a Nigerian who arrived in the UK in 2023 on a three-year CoS visa said, “I have less than a year left. My job is no longer on the list, and I don’t know how I will get another one with this new regulation.”
Expert Predicts Over 10,000 Nigerians May Return Home
The Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, Mr Sulaimon Okewole, described the situation as disheartening. He warned that over 10,000 Nigerians could be forced to return home due to the new immigration rules.
“The UK’s aim to cut down net migration is understandable, but the sharp increase in salary requirements will push many Nigerians out of the system. Employers may not be able to meet the new conditions,” he said.
Okewole added that many Nigerians, especially those in healthcare and tech, may now look to other countries for job opportunities as the UK becomes less accessible.
Nigerian Families Also Affected
A Nigerian student at the University of Ibadan, Eniola, said her mother, who works as a caregiver in the UK, may soon lose her job due to the changes.
“She told me her job was removed from the list, and her sponsorship ends in November. She is really worried about what comes next,” Eniola said.
Statistics Show Rise and Fall in Nigerian Work Visas
According to the UK Home Office, 10,245 Skilled Worker visas were issued to Nigerians in 2021. That number dropped to 8,491 in 2022 but rose significantly to 26,715 in 2023. However, data from 2024 shows a decline in new work visa grants, particularly in the health and care sector.
As thousands of Nigerians in the UK await clarity on their future, calls are mounting for the UK government to review the impact of its new regulations on immigrant communities.
