UK Bans Foreign Recruitment in 100 Job Roles, Nigerians Among Those Hit by New Policy
- The United Kingdom has begun sweeping immigration changes that have seen it ban foreign recruitment in 100 job roles
- Experts said the new rule would affect Nigerians eligible for the roles, further shrinking the chances of working abroad
- The new policy was unveiled by the Home Office on August 30, 2025, in a move to assist British citizens in the job market
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Legit.ng’s Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment and the economy for over a decade.
The United Kingdom has announced sweeping immigration reforms, removing over 100 job roles from its foreign recruitment list, a move that will affect thousands of Nigerians seeking work opportunities in Britain.
The policy, unveiled by the Home Office on August 30, 2025, is aimed at cutting net migration and prioritising British citizens in the job market.
Source: Getty Images
In a post on X, the Home Office stated:
“Cutting net migration means getting the fundamentals right. More than 100 occupations are no longer eligible for overseas recruitment - opening up more jobs for British workers. A fairer, skills-focused system is now taking shape.”
UK jobs Nigerians can not apply for
The new restrictions will hit a wide range of professions, including roles where Nigerians and other migrants have historically sought employment.
Among the affected categories are:
- Delivery operatives
- Beauticians and hairdressers
- Air traffic control assistants
- Army officers
- Construction operatives
- Social care assistants (non-specialist roles)
- Hospitality workers such as porters and kitchen staff
- Retail assistants
Analysts note that while some of these jobs may be considered low-skilled under UK classifications, they form a critical part of the workforce that many migrants, including Nigerians, have filled for decades.
Read some of the reactions that have followed the announcement:
Critics warn of labour shortages in UK
While the government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer insists the reform will open opportunities for British workers, critics argue it could backfire by creating gaps in essential industries.
Healthcare, social services, and construction are already struggling with staffing shortages, and the exclusion of foreign applicants could worsen the situation.
Migration policy experts say Nigerians, who make up one of the largest African migrant communities in the UK, may feel the impact most severely.
Many young Nigerians have relied on these categories as entry points into the UK labour market, before transitioning into higher-paying or specialised roles.
UK job revisions and Starmer’s balancing act
For Prime Minister Starmer, the move is part of a broader promise to 'restore control and fairness' to Britain’s immigration system.
By focusing on skills-based migration, the government hopes to attract more professionals in high-demand fields such as medicine, IT, and engineering, while reducing dependence on foreign labour for routine jobs.
However, business groups and unions caution that without enough local workers ready to fill the gap, the new rules could slow economic productivity, particularly in sectors reliant on migrant labour.
For Nigerians eyeing the UK as a destination for work and stability, the policy represents a new hurdle. Many now face limited options, as only high-demand and high-skill categories remain open.
Experts advise prospective migrants to reassess career choices, focusing on roles still eligible for visas, such as nursing, software engineering, and specialised healthcare positions.
Source: Getty Images
As the reforms take hold, the effects on both migrants and the UK economy will become clearer.
What remains certain is that the new policy signals a major shift in how Britain manages labour migration - with Nigerians directly in the crosshairs.
Visa consultant advises Nigerians on alternative routes
A Nigerian visa consultant, Mobolaji Ogundairo, has advised Nigerians affected by the United Kingdom’s ban on foreign recruitment for over 100 job roles to look into alternative visa categories.
“If I am to give my 2 cents on this, I would say, study visa category and innovator visa category,” Ogundairo told Legit.ng.
He explained that these visa options remain attractive but are often overlooked by many Nigerians.
“These categories are still hot cakes, and many people don’t usually take on this part, especially the innovator visa category.”
38 UK jobs Nigerians can apply for
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United Kingdom had released a list of occupations for which qualified Nigerians can apply for.
Those looking to relocate can apply for skilled worker visas in 38 roles being accepted, with some paying as much as N15,000 per hour.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a visa consultant for this report.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
