The UK government has raised the wage limits for other positions on the program by at least 30% while removing over 100 jobs, including skilled worker roles, from CoS eligibility in an attempt to curb immigration.
Lower-skilled positions (formerly at RQF Levels 3–5) are no longer eligible for CoS unless they are listed on a recently established Temporary Shortage Occupation List, according to the government.
The UK government has removed over 100 jobs, including skilled worker roles, from CoS eligibility in an effort to control immigration. The salary thresholds for other jobs on the scheme have also been increased by at least 30%. Lower-skilled roles (previously at RQF Level 3–5) are now excluded from CoS eligibility unless they appear on a newly created Temporary Shortage Occupation List. Some of the delisted jobs include 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 roles like police officers (sergeant and below), fire service officers, and prison officers; and creative and performing arts professionals, including artists, authors, translators, actors, dancers, photographers, and interior or fashion designers.
The regulations, which took effect on July 22, 2025, affect various visa routes, including the Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas, along with the requirements for sponsoring foreign workers. The general Skilled Worker salary threshold has been increased to £41,700 or higher depending on the role, while health and care roles remain at £25,600. Employers in health and care roles must show the salary after all deductions, including accommodation or transport, meaning that the £25,600 is the minimum amount to be received by any of their employees after all deductions. Many previously eligible roles, such as entry-level IT and customer service, no longer qualify unless employers raise pay substantially in line with the new regulations.
The UK government has also increased the minimum skill level to Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree level), while the previously eligible Level 3–5 roles may now be excluded. Findings revealed that the new regulations have sent jitters down the spine of thousands of Nigerians who are clearly going to be affected by the new rules. A UK-based travel agent, Kayode Alabi, said Nigerians and other nationals on CoS visas secured with the delisted jobs might be stranded at the end of the expiration of their agreement with their sponsors.
Alabi confirmed that many Nigerians were already panicking as a result of the new rules. The fear of returning home has gripped affected Nigerians. A Nigerian in the UK, Banjo Fola, confirmed to Saturday PUNCH that many Nigerians, including himself, were affected by the new regulations. Another Nigerian on a CoS visa in the country, who requested anonymity, expressed fear that she might return home at the expiration of her sponsorship next month because of the new rules.
Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, Mr. Sulaimon Okewole, said over 10,000 Nigerians might be forced to return home as a result of the new rules. He said it was disheartening that the regulations were affecting many Nigerians who had made long-term career plans in the UK.
Okewole added that professionals who previously saw the UK as a viable destination may now find their options limited unless they secure roles that meet the higher salary bands. He predicted that more Nigerians seeking foreign employment would likely begin exploring opportunities in other countries, as the UK becomes increasingly unfavourable.
