The United Kingdom has removed more than 100 occupations from its skilled worker visa list, a major policy shift that could shut out thousands of foreign applicants, including Nigerians, seeking employment in the country.
The adjustment, announced by the UK Home Office on Saturday, follows the Keir Starmer-led government’s July release of an 82-page white paper on immigration, which outlined plans to phase out the social care visa route and cut dependence on international recruitment.
According to the Home Office, the decision is part of a “fairer, skills-focused system” designed to prioritise opportunities for British workers. “More than 100 occupations are no longer eligible for overseas recruitment – opening up more jobs for British workers,” the statement read.
Among the newly ineligible jobs are delivery operatives, beauticians, hairdressers, air traffic control assistants, army officers, and construction operatives — roles that have been popular among migrants.
The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for foreign job seekers, particularly from countries like Nigeria where migration to the UK for work and study remains high. See the list here
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