Panic Among Nigerians as UK Scraps Over 100 Jobs from Skilled Worker Visa Scheme

Thousands of Nigerians living and working in the United Kingdom on Skilled Worker visas are currently in a state of uncertainty and fear.

This comes after the UK government announced new immigration rules that make it harder for many foreign workers to continue living and working in the country.

As part of its plan to reduce immigration, the UK government has removed over 100 job roles from the list of positions that qualify for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

These roles include various jobs in agriculture, hospitality, logistics, healthcare, creative industries, and more. Additionally, the salary requirement for jobs that are still eligible has been raised by at least 30%.

The new rules, which took effect on July 22, 2025, affect not only Skilled Worker visas but also Health and Care visas. The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker roles has now increased to £41,700 per year, while health and care roles remain at £25,600. 

However, for these healthcare jobs, employers must prove that the worker receives the full amount after deductions like rent or transportation.

The skill level required for jobs that qualify has also been raised. Only jobs that are at Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree level) or higher now qualify. L

Jobs that were previously accepted under Levels 3–5, such as administrative support, care supervisors, and some entry-level IT roles, no longer qualify unless they are listed under the new Temporary Shortage Occupation List.

These changes are especially troubling for many Nigerians whose jobs have been removed from the list. 

A UK-based travel agent, Kayode Alabi, explained that Nigerians working in roles no longer eligible will not be able to renew their visas after their current sponsorship ends. This could lead to them becoming undocumented if they fail to get a new qualifying job.

“No one has been sacked yet,” Alabi said, “but if their job is no longer eligible and they can’t get a new sponsor, they won’t be able to renew their visa. This could force them to leave the country.”

Even those whose jobs still qualify are not completely safe. Many employers may struggle to meet the new salary threshold.

Alabi pointed out that someone earning £24,000 under the old system may not get a renewal if their employer can’t afford the new £41,700 salary requirement.

As a result, many Nigerians are worried about their future in the UK. Banjo Fola, a Nigerian living in the UK, said his visa would soon expire and his employer has already said they can’t meet the new salary rules. “I don’t know what to do,” he said.

READ ALSO: “Na Dem Sabi” — Charly Boy Reacts as Lagos Renames Bus Stop to Olamide Baddo Bus Stop

Another Nigerian caregiver shared that her job has been removed from the eligibility list and her visa ends in August. Without a new sponsor or eligible job, she fears she’ll have to return to Nigeria.

A Nigerian who arrived in the UK in February 2023 also shared his concerns. “I came here on a Skilled Worker visa for three years, but now my job has been delisted. I have less than a year left, and I can’t find a new job that qualifies,” he said.

According to Mr. Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, the new rules could force over 10,000 Nigerians to return home. He said the sharp increase in salary requirements and the removal of many job roles are making it harder for Nigerians to build careers in the UK.

While he understands the UK’s goal to reduce immigration, Okewole believes more discussion is needed due to the valuable contributions Nigerians make to the UK’s workforce, especially in healthcare and IT.

Students and families of Nigerians in the UK are also feeling the impact. Eniola, a student at the University of Ibadan, said her mother who works as a caregiver in the UK has been worried since her job was removed from the list. “She’s not sure she’ll find a new sponsor before her current visa ends in November,” Eniola said.

Data from the UK Home Office shows that 26,715 Skilled Worker visas were issued to Nigerians in 2023, a big increase from 8,491 in 2022. However, for 2024, fewer work visas are being issued, especially for Health and Care workers.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION→ Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram