Thousands of Nigerians working in the UK under the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Skilled Worker visas are facing uncertainty following a sweeping change in immigration policy.

Effective July 22, 2025, the UK government removed over 100 job roles—including several skilled positions—from its eligibility list for sponsorship. Roles in agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, law enforcement, and the creative arts are among those affected. Unless listed on a newly introduced Temporary Shortage Occupation List, these jobs no longer qualify for visa sponsorship.

To make matters tougher, the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas has jumped from about £26,000 to £41,700. Though health and care workers remain exempt, they still need to meet a £25,600 minimum, excluding perks like accommodation and transportation.

The changes are part of the UK’s efforts to cut migration figures, but the impact is already rippling through the Nigerian community. According to Kayode Alabi, a UK-based travel agent, while no one has been fired yet, many Nigerians will struggle to renew their visas once current sponsorships end.

“The real danger is that people whose roles have been delisted won’t be able to find new sponsors, making their stay illegal,” Alabi warned.

He also pointed out that even those with eligible jobs could face trouble. “Can employers afford these new salaries? That’s the big question,” he said.

Several Nigerians shared their fears. One caregiver whose visa expires in August said finding a new job under the tougher rules has become nearly impossible. Another, employed in a now-removed role, said they might have to return home after their three-year visa runs out.

Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, estimates that more than 10,000 Nigerians could be affected. He acknowledged the UK’s push to curb migration but urged for a more balanced approach, especially given Nigerians' significant contributions to the workforce.

“We’re seeing a shift. Many who once saw the UK as a promising destination are now reconsidering,” Okewole said.

Back in Nigeria, families are already feeling the impact. Eniola, a student at the University of Ibadan, said her mother—a caregiver in the UK—fears losing her job by November. “She told me her role has been delisted. She doesn’t know what comes next.”

According to UK Home Office data, 26,715 Nigerians were granted Skilled Worker visas in 2023, up from 8,491 in 2022. But that number is now falling, especially in the health sector.

As these changes settle in, many Nigerian migrants—and hopefuls—may be forced to look elsewhere, as the UK becomes a tougher place to build a future.