Thousands of Nigerians living and working in the United Kingdom under the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) scheme are facing uncertainty following the UK government’s new immigration regulations, which removed over 100 skilled jobs from eligibility for visa sponsorship.
The new rules, which took effect on July 22, 2025, are part of the UK government’s broader move to tighten immigration. Under the changes, many roles previously considered skilled have been removed from the approved list, and the salary threshold for new sponsorship has been raised significantly.
Jobs delisted include roles in agriculture, hospitality, community health, policing, and the arts. Nigerians working in these fields on CoS or Skilled Worker visas may be unable to renew their visas once their current sponsorship expires.
A UK-based travel expert, Kayode Alabi, said many Nigerians might be forced to leave the country. “Their fate will hang in the balance because once the agreement with their sponsors ends, they may not be able to get another sponsor, making them illegal immigrants,” he said.
The new salary threshold for most Skilled Worker roles is now £41,700, up from around £25,000. For health and care roles, the minimum remains £25,600 but must be paid net, after deductions for accommodation and transport. This change, employers say, is difficult to meet.
Nigerians in the UK have expressed fear over their uncertain future. One caregiver said her sponsorship ends in August, and she has no hope of finding another sponsor due to the new requirements. Another Nigerian, whose job was also delisted, said he has just a year left on his visa and doesn’t know what to do next.
“I came here in 2023. My job has been removed from the list. It’s likely I’ll be unemployed and have to leave,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, Mr Sulaimon Okewole, warned that over 10,000 Nigerians might be forced to return home. “This regulation is a big blow. Many had long-term career plans. The UK is becoming less attractive,” he said.
Families of affected workers are also worried. Eniola, a University of Ibadan student, said her mother’s caregiver job in the UK is no longer secure. “She told me her job has been removed from the list and she’s scared she may be sent back by November,” she said.
According to the UK Home Office, over 26,000 Nigerians were granted Skilled Worker visas in 2023. However, this number is expected to drop sharply in 2024 due to the stricter requirements and fewer available roles.
The new rules are expected to affect many foreign workers in the UK, but Nigerians — one of the largest migrant communities are likely to be among the hardest hit.
