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Panic has taken hold of numerous Nigerians employed in the United Kingdom under Certificate of Sponsorship or Skilled Worker visas due to new regulations introduced by the British government.
In an attempt to manage immigration, the UK government has eliminated over 100 job categories from CoS eligibility, including skilled worker positions, while also increasing salary demands for various roles on the scheme by at least 30 percent.
Lower-skilled positions (previously at RQF Level 3–5) have been removed from CoS eligibility unless they are included on a recently established Temporary Shortage Occupation List.
Some of the jobs removed include management and proprietorship positions in sectors like agriculture, forestry, hospitality, and logistics (SOC 1211–1258); health, community, and welfare roles such as dispensing opticians, pharmaceutical technicians, youth and community workers, and counselors (SOC 3211–3224); protective service jobs like police officers (sergeant and below), fire service officers, and prison officers (SOC 3312–3314); as well as creative and performing arts professionals, including artists, authors, translators, actors, dancers, photographers, and fashion or interior designers (SOC 3411–3429), among others.
The regulations, effective from July 22, 2025, impact various visa pathways, including the Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas, along with the stipulations for sponsoring foreign employees. The new regulations have raised the general Skilled Worker salary threshold to £41,700 or more based on the role, while maintaining the health and care roles at £25,600. However, employers in these sectors are required to present salaries post-deductions, indicating that the £25,600 is the minimum amount an employee would receive after deductions. Reports indicate that many roles that were once eligible for the CoS, such as entry-level IT positions and customer service jobs, will no longer qualify unless employers significantly increase salaries in accordance with the new regulations.
The UK government has also raised the minimum skill level to Level 6 (Bachelor's degree level), excluding previously eligible Level 3–5 roles (some administrative, technical support, and care supervisor positions). Investigations revealed that the new regulations have created anxiety among thousands of Nigerians facing repercussions from these changes. UK-based travel agent Kayode Alabi explained that Nigerians and other nationals holding CoS visas linked to the delisted jobs might find themselves stranded once their agreements with sponsors expire. Alabi, CEO of Phika Travels and Tours, noted that affected individuals would be unable to renew their visas after completing their sponsorship, which typically ranges from one to five years.
He stated, "No Nigerians have lost their jobs due to the new regulations, but their futures remain uncertain, as those whose positions have been removed from CoS eligibility will struggle to secure new jobs in those categories, and thus won't be able to renew their visas. Without a valid visa, one becomes an illegal immigrant." He added that employers might be unable to meet the new salary threshold, which has jumped to £41,700 from ranges of £24,000 to £26,000 annually.
He confirmed that many Nigerians were already feeling anxious about the new rules. "We can certainly confirm that there is panic among our people. Yes, there is. Individuals are unaware of their futures once their sponsorships expire, particularly given the heightened eligibility criteria for other jobs. There is a palpable fear," he noted. Reports indicate that the dread of returning to Nigeria has affected many Nigerians in the UK. A Nigerian in the UK, Banjo Fola, confirmed to Saturday PUNCH that he and many others have been impacted by the updated regulations. He said, “My visa for my current job will expire soon, and my employer has indicated he cannot meet the new salary threshold. It is very challenging. I’m unsure of what to do.”
Another Nigerian on a CoS visa, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern about returning home when her sponsorship terminates next month due to the new rules.
Likewise, a caregiver from Nigeria in the UK expressed worries regarding the recent alterations to the Skilled Worker visa system, revealing she might be compelled to return home because of the new salary requirements and job delistings.
"My sponsorship ends in August, and the new regulations make it impossible to find a new job given the salary threshold. I might have to return to Nigeria," she said.
Another anonymous Nigerian echoed similar anxieties, stating he and many others were uncertain about their futures in the UK. "It’s not easy. The new regulations have curtailed our plans for a longer stay here. Our jobs have been eliminated, which will leave us unemployed within the next year. I arrived here in February 2023 under a Certificate of Sponsorship, valid for three years, meaning I have less than a year to secure another job, which is nearly impossible due to the salary requirements," he stated.
In light of these developments, Mr. Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, predicted that over 10,000 Nigerians could find themselves compelled to return home due to the new regulations.
He expressed dismay that these changes are impacting many Nigerians who had envisioned long-term career paths in the UK. Okewole commented, "While the UK government's objective of decreasing net migration is understandable, the effects on Nigerians, a community recognized for its significant contributions to the UK workforce, warrant discussion.
The most pressing issue is the sharp increase in salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas, especially impacting Nigerians in sectors like healthcare and IT. This may result in fewer job offers unless UK employers adjust wage structures, an arduous challenge in an already inflation-stricken economy."
He noted that professionals who previously regarded the UK as a viable option might now find their prospects limited unless they secure positions meeting the elevated salary requirements.
"It is without a doubt that over 10,000 Nigerians will be affected by this new regulation, as they will likely return home or seek opportunities elsewhere," he asserted.
He also foresaw that more Nigerians in search of overseas employment would likely start exploring options in other countries, as the UK becomes less favorable.
Eniola, a student at the University of Ibadan whose mother works as a caregiver in the UK, also conveyed her worries, stating her mother is struggling with the implications of the new regulations. "She is essentially losing her job as her sponsorship ends in November.
She has been there since 2023.
She told me that her role has been removed from eligibility, and she is uncertain whether she will find a new sponsor or job. From our discussions, it’s clear she is afraid."
According to statistics from the UK Home Office, 10,245 Nigerians received Skilled Worker visas in 2021.
This figure experienced a minor drop to 8,491 in 2022, followed by an increase to 26,715 in 2023.
However, recent data suggests a decline in the issuance of work visas for Nigerians in 2024, particularly regarding Health and Care Worker visas in the first half of the year compared to 2023.
