UK Visa and Immigration Updates: Essential Information for Nigerians in the UK

Navigating the UK visa and immigration system can be challenging, especially for Nigerians living in or planning to move to the United Kingdom. Keeping up with the latest regulations is not just about following the rules; it can have a significant impact on your ability to live, work, or study in the UK. As a result, this article provides you with the most recent UK visa and immigration updates, ensuring that you are familiar with the latest changes.

UK Visa and Immigration Updates: Recent Changes You Should Be Aware of

The UK immigration system is always evolving, with new rules and policies being introduced regularly. These changes aim to tighten immigration controls and refine the criteria for skilled workers and other visa applicants. Here is a detailed look at the latest updates:

1. Minimum Salary Requirement for Skilled Worker Visas

One of the most notable changes is the substantial increase in the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas. Previously set at £26,000 per year, the minimum wage criterion has now been raised to £38,700. 

This 50% increase represents a significant shift in policy and is intended to reduce the number of low-wage immigrants entering the UK under the skilled worker category. This change could particularly affect young Nigerian professionals and those in industries where salaries tend to be lower.

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2. Salary Threshold for the Health and Care Visa

In response to ongoing staffing shortages in the National Health Service (NHS) and the social care sector, the UK government excludes health and care visas from the new elevated salary threshold. This implies that the NHS and other healthcare providers can continue to attract professionals from abroad, including Nigeria, without being hindered by the wage requirements. 

However, there’s a significant caveat: workers coming to the UK under the health and care visa will no longer be allowed to bring dependents with them. This restriction could have a profound impact on Nigerians and other non-EU national applicants, particularly those with families, separating them for a prolonged period of time.

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3. Revisions to the Shortage Occupation List

Another critical change is the planned revision of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). Under the new rules, the government intends to review and significantly reduce the number of occupations included in the SOL. The proposed changes will eliminate the 20% salary reduction, meaning that applicants for these roles will now need to meet the full salary criteria applicable to their visa category. This move is likely to shrink the pool of eligible applicants for jobs that were previously easier to fill with international talent, potentially leading to shortages in sectors that have traditionally relied on foreign workers.

4. UK Visa and Immigration Updates On Family Visa

The UK government has announced a significant change in the financial requirements for obtaining a family visa. These changes will impact many Nigerians and other non-EU nationals seeking to bring their loved ones to the UK. 

Previously, applicants needed to demonstrate a minimum income of £18,600 to sponsor a spouse’s or partner’s visa. However, under the new rules, this threshold has been dramatically increased to £38,700—a substantial rise that more than doubles the previous requirement.

Read Also: Visa Rules for Skilled Worker Nigerians in the UK

5. UK Visa and Immigration Updates On Student Visa

The UK government has also focused on the Student Visa, particularly concerning the popular Graduate Route. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will review it as part of a broader evaluation of the UK’s immigration policies.

The Graduate Route is a UK permit that allows international students to stay and work in the UK for a period after completing their studies. This visa allows individuals to stay and work for two years and three years for those with doctoral degrees. While specific adjustments have not yet been announced, several possibilities include:

• Shortening the duration of the Graduate Route
• Introducing stricter work requirements
• Limiting the number of graduates eligible for the route

6. Introduction of the Points-Based Immigration System  

The UK introduced a points-based immigration system that applies to both EU and non-EU nationals, including Nigerians. The new policy outlines how the UK government plans to regain control after leaving the European Union (EU). It aims to end the EU’s free movement of people and establish a new immigration system. 

The new policy focuses on prioritizing high-skilled workers who can contribute to the UK economy, public services, and communities. The system intends to create a “high wage, high-skill, high productivity” economy. It seeks to attract talented individuals like scientists, engineers, and academics while reducing overall migration levels. For more information about this visa and immigration updates, click here.

7. UK Goes Digital: Physical Immigration Documents Phased Out for Long Stays

The UK is moving to a digital immigration system, replacing physical documents like the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) with eVisas. Nigerians staying in the UK for over six months must create a UKVI online account. This digital shift impacts over 200,000 Nigerians, ensuring secure records and easier verification. It simplifies border control and third-party status checks.

Read Also: Timeline for UK Immigration Rule Changes in 2024

UK Visa and Immigration Updates: Impact of These Changes on Nigerian Applicants

Recent changes have made the UK immigration system more accessible in some areas, particularly for students and young skilled workers. The points-based system is designed to attract talent to the UK, giving Nigerians who meet the criteria a strong chance of being granted a visa.

However, the significant increase in the minimum salary threshold may deter some Nigerians. This could reduce the diversity of skills and experiences in the UK workforce, as only the highest earners will qualify.

Although health and care visas are exempted from the minimum salary threshold, restricting dependents may reduce the appeal of Nigerians in this role. The NHS and social care sectors could face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled health professionals from Nigeria.

Companies and organizations in the UK will need to reassess their recruitment strategies, especially those that have relied on the Shortage Occupation List to fill positions. With the removal of the 20% salary discount and the anticipated reduction in the number of eligible occupations, employers may struggle to find qualified candidates within the UK and abroad including Nigeria.

Conclusion

For Nigerians in the UK, staying informed about the latest visa and immigration updates is crucial. The immigration system is complex and always changing. So it’s important to stay informed about these changes and understand how they might affect your eligibility to stay or work in the UK.

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