- The UK Home Office has made significant changes to its immigration framework.
- Over 100 mid-level occupations have been removed from the Skilled Worker visa eligibility list.
- The new policy will notably impact Nigerian nationals currently in the UK or those planning to migrate.
The United Kingdom Home Office has introduced major changes to its immigration framework, eliminating more than 100 mid-level occupations from the list of roles eligible for the Skilled Worker visa. This new policy is poised to significantly affect Nigerian nationals currently working in the UK or planning to migrate.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who announced the reform, described it as a “complete reset” of the nation’s immigration approach. She emphasized that the measures are designed to tighten migration control and redirect focus toward developing local talent.
“We are delivering a complete reset of our immigration system to restore proper control and order, after the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years,” Cooper stated. “These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down… and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK.”
Under the new rules, only jobs at RQF Level 6 and above are now eligible for the Skilled Worker visa. This excludes many occupations previously available at RQF levels 3 to 5 positions that often attracted applicants from Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries. Jobs in sectors like construction, hospitality, and skilled trades are among those removed.
Other major changes include:
- Closure of the social care visa route to new international applicants, citing frequent reports of labour exploitation and misuse.
- Launch of a Temporary Shortage List (TSL) and an updated Immigration Salary List (ISL), both of which restrict access to only a few high-demand roles under strict requirements, such as no dependants and fixed validity periods.
- A full reassessment by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to evaluate the roles included in the TSL and consider possible revisions later on.
The reform has triggered concern among Nigerian professionals already in the UK under the Skilled Worker route. Many may now face difficulty renewing their visas unless they secure sponsorships for positions that meet the revised skill and pay thresholds.
Similarly, those looking to change jobs or employers must confirm that the new position appears on the updated list and meets the more stringent conditions.
According to the Home Office, these reforms are necessary to decrease reliance on overseas labour and boost local workforce development.
Leave a Reply