Raphael Kanu
Thousands of Nigerians working in the United Kingdom under Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and Skilled Worker visas are facing growing uncertainty following sweeping changes to UK immigration rules.
The British government, in a move aimed at curbing net migration, has removed over 100 job roles from CoS eligibility and increased salary thresholds for many of the remaining positions. The changes took effect on July 22, 2025, and affect both the Skilled Worker and Health and Care visa routes.
Jobs previously available to Nigerians—including roles in agriculture, hospitality, logistics, health, creative arts, law enforcement, and community services—have now been excluded from the list. Additionally, the minimum skill level requirement has been raised to Level 6, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, eliminating many Level 3–5 jobs such as care supervisors and technical support roles.
The minimum salary threshold for general Skilled Worker visas has been raised from around £25,000 to £41,700 per annum. While health and care roles still maintain a £25,600 threshold, employers must now prove that this amount is what workers take home after all deductions.
This new requirement has triggered widespread concern among Nigerian migrants. Many now fear they will be unable to renew their visas once current sponsorships expire.
Kayode Alabi, CEO of Phika Travels and Tours, explained that while no Nigerian has been formally sacked, their ability to remain in the UK is now jeopardised.
“At the end of their sponsorship, those whose roles have been removed from CoS eligibility won’t be able to find new employment in that category. Without a valid visa, they risk deportation,” he said.
Alabi warned that even Nigerians whose jobs are still listed may face a different kind of threat: employers might not afford the new salary levels. “If their companies cannot pay the revised thresholds when sponsorships expire, those employees will also be forced out,” he added.
Banjo Fola, whose visa is set to expire in a few months, said his employer cannot meet the new wage threshold. “I don’t even know what to do. It’s a very hard time,” he admitted.
Another Nigerian, a caregiver whose visa ends next month, shared her fear of returning home after failing to secure a new sponsor. “My job has been delisted. I may likely return home,” she said.
A male worker on a three-year CoS visa said his job was removed from the list, leaving him with less than a year to find a new one: “Our plans have been cut short. There are no alternatives right now.”
Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, estimated that over 10,000 Nigerians might be forced to return home due to the new rules.
He acknowledged the UK’s intent to reduce migration but urged for a balance. “Nigerians have long contributed to the UK’s workforce. The sudden shift, particularly the salary hike, leaves many stranded and vulnerable,” he said.
Okewole also predicted a decline in Nigerians choosing the UK as a work destination, suggesting many may begin looking towards countries with more favourable policies.
The changes are already affecting families back in Nigeria. Eniola, a student at the University of Ibadan, said her mother’s caregiving job in the UK is now at risk. “She’s scared. Her job has been delisted, and she doesn’t know what comes next after November.”
Data from the UK Home Office shows that in 2023, 26,715 Skilled Worker visas were issued to Nigerians—up significantly from 8,491 in 2022. But numbers for 2024 have begun to decline, with fewer Health and Care Worker visas issued in the first half of the year.
As the deadline for many sponsorships draws closer, the fate of thousands of Nigerians in the UK remains uncertain—caught between stricter immigration laws and the harsh reality of displacement.