Many Nigerians in UK risk deportation over scrapping of sponsorship

A sweeping overhaul of the United Kingdom’s immigration policy has thrown thousands of Nigerians living and working in the country into a state of uncertainty, as over 100 skilled jobs have been removed from the list of roles eligible for sponsorship under the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) scheme.

The policy changes, which took effect from July 22, are part of a broader push by the UK government to tighten immigration controls. Key reforms include increasing salary thresholds for Skilled Worker and Health and Care visa holders, and disqualifying a wide range of professions from sponsorship unless listed under a newly established Temporary Shortage Occupation List.

Among the categories affected are jobs in agriculture, logistics, hospitality, health, law enforcement, the arts, and other professional fields. Roles such as youth workers, police officers, interior designers, translators, actors, and care supervisors are no longer eligible for sponsorship under the new rules.

According to the revised framework, the minimum salary for most skilled roles has risen sharply to £41,700, while the threshold for health and care positions remains at £25,600 — but with a caveat. Employers in these sectors must now ensure that employees receive that amount after deductions like transport and housing.

The developments have triggered widespread anxiety among Nigerians who are on time-bound visas linked to their current employers. Many now face the risk of deportation once their sponsorships expire.

“No Nigerians have been sacked because of the new regulations, but their fate will hang in the balance because at the end of their current sponsorship, those whose jobs have been removed from CoS eligibility will not be able to find a new job in that category, and their visa will not be renewed. If you don’t have a valid visa, you become an illegal immigrant,” said Kayode Alabi, a UK-based travel consultant and CEO of Phika Travels and Tours.

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He added: “Another challenge those whose jobs were retained under the new regulations will face is that their employers may not be able to pay the new salary threshold, which has risen to £41,700 from £24,000, £25,000 or £26,000 per annum.

“If you are not on any of the delisted job roles, you will still be earning the salary you were earning when you received sponsorship, which is usually between one and five years. By the time that sponsorship expires, will your company be able to pay the new salary threshold? That is the issue.”

Several Nigerian workers in the UK expressed growing concerns, describing the uncertainty they now face.

“We can say there is panic among our people. Yes, there is. People don’t know what will become their fate at the expiration of their sponsorship, especially when the eligibility criteria for other jobs have been increased. People are afraid,” Alabi added.

A Nigerian resident in the UK, Banjo Fola, said he was directly impacted by the new policy shift.“My visa with this current job will expire in some months, and my employer has said he cannot afford the new salary threshold. It is very hard. I don’t even know what to do,” he said.

Another affected worker, who chose to remain anonymous, said she may be forced to return to Nigeria after her current sponsorship expires in August.“My sponsorship will expire in August, and the new regulation has made it impossible to get a new job because of the salary threshold. I may likely return home,” she said.

A third Nigerian, also on a CoS visa, voiced similar fears:“Things are not easy. The new rules have cut short our plans to stay longer here. But our current jobs have been removed, meaning that we will be jobless in the next one year. I came here (UK) in February 2023 on a Certificate of Sponsorship. My sponsorship is for three years, so I have less than a year to find another job, which is not even there because of the new salary threshold.”

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Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, estimated that over 10,000 Nigerians may have to return home due to the changes.“While the UK government’s goal of reducing net migration is understandable, the impact on Nigerians, a community known for its immense contribution to the UK’s workforce, demands some discussions,” he said.

“The most immediate concern is the sharp rise in salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas. For many Nigerians, especially those in sectors like healthcare and IT, this could mean fewer job offers unless UK employers adjust pay scales. This may be a tough task in an economy already dealing with inflation,” he added.

He warned that unless alternative employment options open up, the UK may lose skilled Nigerian professionals to other countries with more favorable migration policies.

A student at the University of Ibadan, Eniola, shared how the new rules have disrupted her mother’s life in the UK. “She has practically lost her job because the sponsorship will come to an end in November. She has been there since 2023. She informed me that her job has been delisted, and she is not sure she will find a fresh sponsor or new job. I can tell from our conversation that she is afraid,” Eniola said.

Data from the UK Home Office show that 26,715 Skilled Worker visas were granted to Nigerians in 2023 — a steep rise from 8,491 in 2022. However, early figures from 2024 indicate a drop, particularly in the issuance of Health and Care Worker visas, reflecting the tightening immigration environment.

Many Nigerians in UK risk deportation over scrapping of sponsorship

(PUNCH)