Nigerians face uncertainty as UK removes over 100 skilled jobs from sponsorship list

Thousands of Nigerians working in the United Kingdom under Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Skilled Worker visas have been thrown into uncertainty following new immigration rules introduced by the UK government.

As part of efforts to tighten immigration, the UK has removed over 100 roles from the CoS eligibility list and raised salary thresholds for others by at least 30%. Several jobs especially lower-skilled roles at RQF Levels 3 to 5 are no longer eligible unless they fall under a new Temporary Shortage Occupation List.

Affected roles include various managerial positions in agriculture, hospitality, and logistics; health and community service jobs such as opticians, pharmaceutical technicians, and youth workers; protective service jobs like police and fire officers; and roles in the creative and performing arts.

The updated rules, which took effect on July 22, 2025, impact the Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, and other sponsorship visa categories. The general salary requirement for Skilled Workers is now set at £41,700, while health and care roles remain at £25,600 but with stricter compliance on net pay after deductions.

Many entry-level IT and customer service roles that once qualified for sponsorship now do not, unless salaries are raised significantly. The required skill level has also been increased to Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree equivalent), effectively excluding many formerly eligible roles.

These changes have triggered anxiety among Nigerian professionals in the UK who fear they may not be able to renew their visas. A UK-based travel consultant explained that workers on delisted roles will be unable to secure fresh sponsorship once their current contract ends risking loss of legal status.

Although no mass terminations have occurred, the uncertainty is causing distress. Some workers said their employers cannot meet the new salary thresholds. Others expressed fears of returning home once their current sponsorship ends.

A caregiver shared concerns that her visa, due to expire in August, may not be renewed due to the salary gap. Another worker said his three-year sponsorship will end in less than a year, and he is unlikely to secure another role under the new criteria.

An education consultant estimated that over 10,000 Nigerians may be forced to return home as a result of the changes. He added that Nigerians might start turning to other countries for job opportunities, as the UK becomes less accessible.

The impact is also being felt at home. A Nigerian student said her mother, currently employed in the UK, is now uncertain about her future, as her role has been removed from the eligible list and her sponsorship will soon expire.

Official data shows a sharp rise in the number of Nigerians granted work visas in 2023, but this figure is now beginning to decline due to the recent policy shifts.