Latest News
Panic in Nigerian Community Abroad! UK Ends Work Sponsorship on Over 100 Occupations
Thousands of Nigerians working in the United Kingdom on Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Skilled Worker visas are gripped by anxiety following new immigration rules unveiled by the British government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
As part of efforts to tighten immigration controls, the UK has removed over 100 jobs from CoS eligibility—including many skilled roles—while also raising salary thresholds by at least 30 percent for several others.
Under the new policy, only positions listed on a freshly created Temporary Shortage Occupation List remain eligible at lower skill levels. Previously approved roles at RQF Levels 3–5 have largely been scrapped.
Among the delisted roles are:
-
Managers and proprietors in agriculture, forestry, hospitality, and logistics (SOC 1211–1258),
-
Health and welfare professionals such as dispensing opticians, pharmaceutical technicians, youth and community workers, and counsellors (SOC 3211–3224),
-
Protective service roles like police officers (sergeant and below), fire service officers, and prison officers (SOC 3312–3314),
-
Creative and performing arts professionals, including artists, authors, translators, actors, dancers, photographers, and interior/fashion designers (SOC 3411–3429), among others.
The changes, which took effect on July 22, 2025, apply to visa routes such as the Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas, reshaping requirements for employers and foreign workers alike.
The general salary threshold for Skilled Workers has been raised to £41,700 or higher depending on the role, while the threshold for health and care positions remains at £25,600—but employers must now prove this figure is the employee’s net salary after deductions for housing, transport, or other costs.
Saturday PUNCH learned that entry-level IT, customer service, and other lower‑skilled roles once eligible under CoS no longer qualify unless employers significantly increase pay to meet the new standards. Additionally, the minimum skill level has been raised to Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree), effectively cutting out many administrative, support, and supervisory roles previously accepted at Levels 3–5.
These sweeping changes have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community in the UK. Kayode Alabi, Chief Executive Officer of Phika Travels and Tours, explained that many Nigerians holding CoS visas in the now‑delisted categories may find themselves stranded once their current sponsorships—lasting between one and five years—expire.
“No Nigerians have been sacked because of the new regulations,” Alabi said, “but at the end of their current sponsorship, those whose jobs are no longer eligible will not be able to secure a new sponsorship, meaning their visas cannot be renewed. Without a valid visa, you become an illegal immigrant.”
Even those in still‑eligible roles face uncertainty, as their employers must now meet the higher salary thresholds:
“By the time that sponsorship expires, will your company be able to pay the new salary threshold? That is the issue,” Alabi noted.
He confirmed that the new rules have sparked widespread fear:
“Yes, there is panic. People are unsure what their fate will be once their sponsorships run out, especially with tougher eligibility criteria and pay demands.”
Many affected Nigerians are now contemplating the painful prospect of returning home. Banjo Fola, a Nigerian resident in the UK, told Saturday PUNCH that he and many others have been directly impacted by the new regulations.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges