By Peter Omopo
London, July 26, 2025 — Thousands of Nigerians working in the United Kingdom under Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Skilled Worker visas face an uncertain future following sweeping immigration policy changes announced by the British government.
In a major crackdown aimed at reducing net migration, the UK Home Office has removed more than 100 job roles from CoS eligibility and raised the minimum salary thresholds for others by at least 30 percent. The new rules, which came into effect on July 22, have sparked panic among many foreign workers, including a significant number of Nigerians, whose current roles are now ineligible for visa renewal.
Affected occupations span several sectors including agriculture, hospitality, logistics, healthcare, social welfare, protective services, and the creative arts. Specific jobs removed include dispensing opticians, youth workers, police officers, fire service officers, translators, actors, and fashion designers — among others.
Under the new policy, the general salary threshold for skilled workers has risen to £41,700, while roles in the health and care sectors remain at £25,600. However, the new law mandates that this figure must reflect the net pay after deductions, including accommodation and transport — a technicality that could further jeopardize the eligibility of many workers.
A Nigerian caregiver in the UK told Saturday PUNCH that her sponsorship ends next month and she fears deportation. “The new regulation has made it impossible to secure a new job under the scheme. I may likely return home,” she said.
Another Nigerian, Banjo Fola, confirmed that his employer has admitted being unable to meet the revised salary threshold. “My visa expires in a few months. I don’t even know what to do,” he lamented.
Kayode Alabi, CEO of UK-based Phika Travels and Tours, warned that many Nigerians will be stranded once their sponsorships expire, with no path to renewal unless they find roles that meet the new criteria.
“No one has been sacked yet, but once their current visa runs out, those on delisted roles won’t be able to renew. If they can’t secure new jobs under the updated list, they risk becoming illegal immigrants,” he explained.
Adding to the growing concern, Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, predicted that over 10,000 Nigerians could be forced to return home in the coming months. “Professionals who saw the UK as a long-term destination may now be forced to look elsewhere. It’s a major disruption to career plans,” he said.
University of Ibadan student, Eniola, expressed worry over her mother, who has been working in the UK as a caregiver since 2023. “Her job has been delisted. Her sponsorship ends in November. She’s scared she won’t find another sponsor,” she shared.
Recent data from the UK Home Office shows a sharp increase in work visa grants to Nigerians — from 10,245 in 2021 to 26,715 in 2023. However, early 2024 figures indicate a decline, especially in Health and Care Worker visas, suggesting the new regulations are already having an impact.
As the clock ticks for thousands of Nigerian workers, uncertainty looms large, with many questioning their future in a country they had hoped to call home.
