Thousands of Nigerians working in the United Kingdom on Certificate of Sponsorship or Skilled Worker visas are gripped by panic following the British government’s new regulations aimed at controlling immigration. The UK government has removed over 100 jobs, including skilled worker roles, from Certificate of Sponsorship eligibility, while increasing salary thresholds for other jobs by at least 30%. This move has sent shockwaves among Nigerians, with many fearing deportation.
The new regulations, effective July 22, 2025, affect various visa routes, including Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas. The general Skilled Worker salary threshold has been increased to £41,700 or higher, depending on the role, while health and care roles remain at £25,600. However, employers in health and care roles must now show the salary after all deductions, including accommodation or transport. Many Nigerians are worried that their employers won’t be able to meet the new salary threshold, leaving them without a valid visa and potentially becoming illegal immigrants. According to Kayode Alabi, a UK-based travel agent, “No Nigerians have been sacked because of the new regulations, but their fate will hang in the balance because at the end of their current sponsorship, those whose jobs have been removed from CoS eligibility will not be able to find a new job in that category, and their visa will not be renewed”.
The affected Nigerians include healthcare workers, IT professionals, and those in creative and performing arts. Some Nigerians, like Banjo Fola, are already feeling the impact. “My visa with this current job will expire in some months, and my employer has said he cannot afford the new salary threshold. It is very hard. I don’t even know what to do,” Fola said. Sulaimon Okewole, Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, estimates that over 10,000 Nigerians might be forced to return home due to the new rules. “While the UK government’s goal of reducing net migration is understandable, the impact on Nigerians, a community known for its immense contribution to the UK’s workforce, demands some discussions,” Okewole said.
The UK government’s decision has raised concerns about the country’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers. With the new regulations, professionals who previously saw the UK as a viable destination may now find their options limited unless they secure roles that meet the higher salary bands. Data from the UK Home Office shows a surge in Skilled Worker visas issued to Nigerians, from 10,245 in 2021 to 26,715 in 2023. However, recent figures for 2024 indicate a decline in work visa grants for Nigerians, particularly in Health and Care Worker categories.
As the situation unfolds, many Nigerians are left uncertain about their future in the UK. Eniola, a student whose mother works as a caregiver in the UK, expressed concern about her mother’s situation. “She has practically lost her job because the sponsorship will come to an end in November… She informed me that her job has been delisted, and she is not sure she will find a fresh sponsor or new job. I can tell from our conversation that she is afraid,” Eniola said.
