Nigerians at Risk as UK Scraps Sponsorship for Over 100 Skilled Jobs

A sweeping overhaul of the UK’s immigration system is placing Nigerians—and many other African professionals—on edge as the government removes sponsorship eligibility from over 100 skilled jobs, increases salary thresholds, and tightens deportation criteria.

✂️ Major Reform Highlights

The Immigration White Paper, published in May 2025, outlines comprehensive changes impacting key visa routes used by Nigerians — notably:

1. Closure of the Social Care Worker route: No new overseas applications will be accepted. Only those already in the UK can extend or switch this visa until 2028 .
2. Stricter Skilled Worker visa criteria: Applicants must hold a university degree (RQF Level 6+) and meet significantly raised salary benchmarks (e.g. around £38,700 minimum) .
3. End of salary discounts for shortage occupations: Previous discounts aiding roles in healthcare, IT, and engineering have been abolished .

🚫 Implications for Nigerians

1. Many mid‑level professionals—such as nurses, care assistants, or diploma-level IT staff—no longer qualify, even with job offers.
2. Employers must pay 32% more in Immigration Skills Charges, discouraging sponsorship, especially by small businesses .
3. Students now face a shortened Graduate Route visa limited to 18 months post-degree instead of two years .

🧳 Visa Scams and Sudden Deportation Risk

Fraudulent agencies have exploited the ongoing reforms. Nigerian migrants have reported paying hefty sums—up to £6,000—for fake Certificates of Sponsorship, only to be abandoned by fake employers . In many cases, once a sponsoring company loses its license or is investigated, migrants are given only 60 days to find a new sponsor—failing which they risk deportation .

⚖️ Declared Impacted Sectors

1. Care homes sector: Already facing visa restrictions and eventual closure to new overseas hires .
2. Skilled worker roles: Over 180 jobs requiring less than degree-level skills have been removed from eligibility .

As of July 22, 2025, the rule banning new adult social care visas from overseas officially came into force. Current visa holders in this sector can remain until 2028 but no new applications are allowed .

🔍 Enforcement & Deportation Strengthened

1. The UK Home Office will bar visa renewals or asylum support for applicants flagged as “high-risk,” particularly targeting Nigerian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan nationals deemed likely to overstay .
2. Broader enforcement includes cancellation of visa status for minor offenses or recouping sponsorship costs from migrant workers .

📉 Consequences & Concerns

1. Job prospects slashed: Nigerians working in semi-skilled but essential roles find themselves ineligible almost overnight.
2. Financial losses and legal risk: Victims of scams face deportation while unemployed migrants—affected by sponsor shutdowns—miss deadlines to legalize their stay.
3. Extended insecurity: The path to settlement doubles from 5 to 10 years, delaying citizenship and stable residency for many families .

🧭 Call for Action

Advocacy groups are calling for:

1. Enhanced protection for existing visa holders vulnerable to recognition loss through no fault of their own.
2. Crackdowns on fraudulent agencies exploiting migration routes.
3. Clearer guidance and longer flexible transition periods for affected migrants.

🧾 Summary

The UK’s immigration overhaul represents a sharp pivot toward stricter control—but for thousands of Nigerians, the result is closed doors rather than opportunity. Careers, education plans, and lives are now uncertain—tied to policies rolled out rapidly, with little margin for error or transition.