Thousands of Nigerians working in the United Kingdom on Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Skilled Worker visas are facing uncertainty and possible deportation following sweeping new immigration regulations announced by the British government.
In a move aimed at reducing net migration, the UK has removed more than 100 job roles including several skilled positions from the list of occupations eligible for visa sponsorship.
The affected roles cover a wide range of sectors, including managers and proprietors in agriculture, forestry, hospitality, and logistics; health, community, and welfare roles such as dispensing opticians, pharmaceutical technicians, youth and community workers, and counsellors; protective service jobs like police officers (sergeant and below), fire service officers, and prison officers; as well as creative and performing arts professionals, which include artists, authors, translators, actors, dancers, photographers, and interior or fashion designers.
The new regulations, which came into effect on July 22, 2025, mean that only jobs listed on a newly established Temporary Shortage Occupation List remain eligible for sponsorship if they are at the removed skill levels.
In addition, the general Skilled Worker salary threshold has been raised by over 30%, now requiring a minimum annual income of £41,700 for most roles.
Although health and care roles retain a lower minimum salary of £25,600, employers must prove this is the take-home pay after deductions such as accommodation and transport.
These policy changes impact various visa routes, including both the Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas, and have heightened anxiety within the Nigerian community in the UK, as many now face difficulties renewing their visas or finding new sponsorship.
Those whose job roles have been delisted or cannot meet the new salary thresholds risk becoming ineligible for visa renewal, and consequently, could face deportation once their current sponsorships expire.
