Over 10,000 Nigerians working in the United Kingdom under the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Skilled Worker visa may be affected by a sweeping UK job delisting policy that removes over 100 occupations from visa eligibility.
According to official updates from London, the reform took effect on 22 July 2025 and forms part of the UK government’s broader effort to manage immigration by tightening visa pathways. Under the new regulation, only roles classified at RQF Level 6 and above — equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree — now qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
As a result of the UK job delisting, 121 occupations have been removed from the eligibility list. These roles, previously considered mid-skilled (RQF Levels 3 to 5), are now excluded from both the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, making them ineligible for visa sponsorship.
Affected Roles Across Sectors
- Hospitality
- Childcare
- Trades
- Creative Arts
- Agriculture
- Health associate roles
- Administrative work
According to the UK’s Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, the government is implementing stricter immigration controls to reduce net migration and strengthen domestic workforce development. “These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down… to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK,” he said.
Specific Job Titles Removed
- Managers and proprietors in:
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Hospitality
- Logistics
(SOC Codes: 1211–1258)
- Health, community and welfare roles:
- Dispensing opticians
- Pharmaceutical technicians
- Youth and community workers
- Counsellors
(SOC Codes: 3211–3224)
- Protective service roles:
- Police officers (sergeants and below)
- Fire service officers
- Prison officers
(SOC Codes: 3312–3314)
- Creative and performing arts professionals:
- Artists
- Authors
- Translators
- Actors
- Dancers
- Photographers
- Interior designers
- Fashion designers
(SOC Codes: 3411–3429)
Stricter Salary Thresholds and Job Restrictions Add to Migrants’ Challenges
Beyond the delisting of over 100 roles, the UK government has also raised the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applicants to £41,700. Exceptions apply to certain health and care roles, which retain a lower threshold of £25,600. However, this amount must remain intact after deductions such as housing and transport.
The new rules also disqualify several entry-level positions from visa sponsorship, including:
- Entry-level IT roles
- Customer service positions
- Technical support jobs
- Care supervisor roles
Many previously eligible RQF Level 3 to 5 roles are now considered ineligible unless employers significantly raise salaries and meet stricter skill criteria.
While current visa holders in affected roles can stay in the UK until their visa expires, they may face serious challenges when applying for renewal, switching jobs, or seeking new sponsorship under the updated regulations.
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