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Nigerians looking to move to the United Kingdom (UK) for better opportunities through caregiver job applications may need to reconsider their plans as the government has initiated a significant reform of the immigration system, imposing an indefinite ban on visa issuance for foreigners intending to enter the country for social care roles.
Nevertheless, care workers already residing in the UK will be permitted to stay until the internal switch option for their visa ends in July 2028.
According to the government, these changes aim to reduce the number of migrants and dependence on low-paid foreign laborers.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made the announcement during a parliamentary session, emphasizing that the ban will take effect on July 22, 2025.
She described the new policy as a comprehensive reset, highlighting that it raises both salary and qualification requirements for skilled workers seeking visas.
The Secretary also noted that foreign job applicants, excluding caregivers, will need at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent to be eligible for a visa from the immigration agency.
“These new regulations establish stricter controls to lower migration levels, restore order to the immigration system, and emphasize investment in skills and training within the UK.
We are implementing a total reset of our immigration framework to ensure proper management and order, reversing the previous government's approach, which allowed net migration to increase fourfold in four years,” Cooper stated to the lawmakers.
Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, mentioned that the salary criteria for work visas are being adjusted according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
Additionally, Malhotra indicated that the Migration Advisory Committee will assess the new salary brackets and relevant exemptions.
The reforms will also significantly decrease the shortage occupation list, which previously facilitated easier visa access for high-demand jobs.
