By Gloria Nosa
Hundreds of skilled foreign workers, including many Nigerians, are facing potential deportation from the United Kingdom following the government’s decision to scrap visa sponsorship for over 100 job roles previously listed under its Skilled Worker route.
The UK Home Office recently updated its Shortage Occupation List and announced the removal of several job categories, citing a review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The changes, which came into effect this month, affect roles across sectors such as caregiving, hospitality, construction, health support, and administrative services—fields that had attracted a high volume of skilled migrants from countries like Nigeria, India, and the Philippines.
The sponsorship withdrawal means employers in the UK will no longer be able to legally sponsor foreign workers for these jobs, putting thousands of visa holders at risk of losing their immigration status. Workers currently employed under these roles could be forced to leave the country once their current visas expire, unless they can secure new roles that still qualify for sponsorship.
Nigerians, who make up a large percentage of recent Skilled Worker visa holders in sectors like health and social care, are among the most affected. Many had relocated to the UK under the impression that their positions would remain on the government-approved list of occupations eligible for long-term employment and possible settlement.
Several advocacy groups and migrant support organizations have criticized the UK government’s decision, describing it as abrupt and inconsiderate of workers who have already uprooted their lives to fill labor shortages in critical sectors. Some have called for a transitional period or pathway for those already in the UK to switch into alternative eligible roles without facing deportation threats.
The Home Office, however, insists the decision is part of a broader immigration reform aimed at reducing net migration and ensuring that employers focus more on training and hiring local talent.
“We want a fair, controlled, and sustainable immigration system that puts British workers first,” a spokesperson said.
Affected individuals have been urged to seek legal guidance to understand their rights and explore possible options before their visas lapse. Immigration lawyers warn that without swift intervention or policy adjustment, the move could result in large-scale job losses, family separations, and increased pressure on sectors already facing worker shortages.
The situation continues to generate concern among Nigerian communities in the UK, with calls for the Nigerian High Commission and relevant diaspora groups to step in and provide support.
