The UK government has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its immigration system, introducing stricter rules for migrants and curbing the international recruitment of care workers, in what officials describe as a bid to fix a system that “does not work.”
Thousands of Nigerians and other African migrants could face steeper hurdles in entering or staying in the United Kingdom under a dramatic immigration shake-up unveiled by the British government.
The wide-ranging reforms, detailed in an 82-page Immigration White Paper released on Monday, May 12, 2025, include sweeping changes to settlement rules, work and student visas, care worker recruitment, and asylum processes.
Government officials say the new policies are designed to “fix a broken system,” but critics warn they could disproportionately impact African nationals who make up a large share of migrants in sectors like health care and education.
“Immigration has played a key role in the success of the UK and our services.
But we cannot ignore the facts.
The system does not work.
Care workers have been widely exploited through the immigration system which is why we are closing new applications from abroad.”
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice), May 12, 2025
ALSO READ
A summary of the contents of the paper are as follows:
Longer Road to Settlement and Citizenship
One of the most significant changes is the doubling of the settlement qualifying period. Migrants will now need to live in the UK for 10 years, up from the current 5, before applying for permanent residency or citizenship. The government says exceptions may be made for “high-contributing” professionals like doctors, engineers, and nurses.
“Double the standard qualifying period for settlement to 10 years.”
End of Overseas Recruitment for Social Care Workers
The UK will stop accepting new overseas applications for social care roles, a move that directly affects many Nigerian and African care workers who have helped fill labour shortages in recent years. Existing care workers already in the country can still switch roles or extend their visas, but no new hires will be allowed from abroad until at least 2028.
“We will close social care visas to new applications from abroad.”
Stricter English Language Requirements for All Migrants
For the first time, adult dependents of migrants will also be required to meet higher English language standards. The language requirement now cuts across all immigration categories, potentially affecting thousands of applicants from non-English-speaking countries, including Nigeria.
“Introduce new English language requirements across a broader range of immigration routes.”
Skilled Worker Visa Just Got Harder
The UK will now only issue skilled worker visas for graduate-level jobs (RQF Level 6 and above). This reverses recent years, where more lower-skilled roles were eligible. Salary discounts for jobs on the former shortage occupation list have also been removed.
“Skilled must mean skilled… Salary thresholds will rise.”
This change may disqualify many mid-level professionals from Africa whose roles fall below the new criteria.
Post-Study Work Visa Cut from 2 Years to 18 Months
Thousands of African students, especially Nigerians, the largest cohort of international students in the UK, will feel the impact of the reduced Graduate Route. Starting soon, graduates will only be allowed to remain in the UK for 18 months after completing their studies, down from the previous two years.
“We will reduce the ability for graduates to remain in the UK after their studies to a period of 18 months.”
Tougher Oversight for Universities and Colleges
The government will crack down on institutions with poor compliance histories. Caps will be placed on international student numbers, and offending institutions will be placed under action plans to improve standards.
“New interventions for sponsors… including placing them on an action plan… and imposing limits on new international students.”
New Barriers to Family, Asylum, and Private Life Applications
Migrants seeking to remain in the UK based on family ties or humanitarian grounds face a tougher road. The right to family and private life will be restricted, and asylum claims may be rejected if a migrant’s home country conditions are deemed unchanged.
“We will tackle the over-complex family and private life immigration arrangements.”
Wider Powers for Deportation and Criminal Reporting
The Home Office will now be notified of any offences committed by foreign nationals, not just those resulting in imprisonment. This could lead to broader use of visa cancellations and deportations, particularly affecting migrants from Africa.
“Review deportation thresholds… and ensure the Home Office is informed of all foreign nationals convicted of offences.”
Stricter Rules for Refugees and Humanitarian Routes
The UK will only consider a limited number of refugees and displaced persons, and only those recognised by the United Nations’ refugee agency will be eligible under skilled worker routes.
What Nigerians and other Africans should know
These changes signal a clear shift toward a more selective, skills-based immigration model, with fewer opportunities for lower-paid or mid-level roles and a stronger focus on contribution to the UK economy.
Whether you’re a student planning to study in the UK, a care worker aiming to migrate, or a family member hoping to reunite with a loved one, the bar has been raised.
While government officials argue the reforms are necessary for long-term sustainability, migration experts and advocacy groups are already raising concerns about fairness, accessibility, and the disproportionate impact on African nationals.
