UK Government Reduces Graduate Route for Nigeria, Other Countries, Sponsors Under Scrutiny

• The UK government tightened immigration policies, reducing the Graduate Route visa from two years to 18 months in response to concerns over systemic abuse
• New measures introduced stricter compliance rules for universities, tougher asylum rejection criteria, and expanded deportation powers for foreign criminals
• Authorities emphasised that these reforms aim to restore credibility, strengthen border control, and ensure public confidence in the immigration system

The UK government cut the Graduate Route visa duration from two years to 18 months as part of a broader effort to tighten controls on international education, asylum, and family immigration.

The decision, outlined in the Immigration White Paper released on Monday, reflected concerns over “systemic abuse and mission drift” in visa pathways.

Graduate route shortened, sponsors under scrutiny

Previously offering two years of post-study work rights, the Graduate Route visa was reduced to 18 months, with stricter conditions on transitioning to work visas and limited rights for dependants.

The government argued that the route had failed to meet its original objectives, stating it had become a loophole for unsponsored employment and a target for misuse.

To retain international recruitment licences, universities were required to comply with enhanced compliance standards.

Institutions with low progression-to-work rates or misleading recruitment practices faced possible sanctions. The Home Office emphasised that sponsors undermining the system’s integrity would be held accountable.

New rejection rules for asylum claims

The asylum system underwent restructuring to tighten admissibility rules. Applicants whose home country conditions had not materially changed—or those who failed to claim asylum upon arrival—could now be automatically refused.

The reforms aimed to restore the threshold for protection to its original level, ensuring only qualifying claims were processed.

Tougher deportation laws for foreign criminals

Legislation was introduced to expand deportation powers, enabling authorities to remove all foreign offenders, not just those sentenced to more than 12 months in prison.

The government placed heightened focus on crimes involving violence against women and girls, reinforcing its stance on safety and law enforcement.

Additionally, plans to limit the use of Article 8 (right to family life) in immigration appeals were unveiled, shifting decision-making power from courts to Parliament.

The government argued that elected officials should determine residency status rather than legal proceedings.

Stronger penalties for visa sponsorship violations

Employers, universities, and other sponsors faced financial penalties, licence revocations, and recruitment bans if found guilty of facilitating visa abuse.

The government declared that sponsorship remained a privilege, not a right, reinforcing its commitment to holding sponsors accountable for international recruitment practices.

Government defends immigration overhaul

The Home Office described the new measures as part of a long-term strategy to restore credibility and reduce immigration numbers, assuring the public of a more controlled system.

“This is about rebuilding integrity,” said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. “We’re making it clear that the UK welcomes global talent—but not at the cost of public confidence or border control.”

Migration lawyer reacts

Dele Olawanle, a UK-based lawyer, criticised the new policies, saying:

"There has been no speaking up for the enormous contributions made by immigrants to the UK economy. Rather, they are being labelled as problems. A typical Black and Asian immigrant does not want to live on benefits. They are more ambitious: educated, Working, in Business, and Homeowners. Give them some credit."

He added:

"This is the time for those desperate to come to the UK to be very careful so that they don’t fall into the hands of scammers who will promise them a COS and all sorts of opportunities. Don’t sell your house or resign from your job. Don’t sell your business, either. ILU LE!"

Recall that a UK-based Nigerian doctor, Kelvin Alaneme, was secretly filmed by the BBC in an undercover investigation, allegedly selling fake job opportunities to foreign nationals.

Secret recordings by the BBC captured Dr. Alaneme boasting about his operation. Believing he was speaking to a potential business partner in the UK care industry, he offered her a role in his network, saying: “Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire.”

UK government to end overseas recruitment for care workers

Legit.ng earlier reported that the UK government has announced plans to end overseas recruitment for care workers in a bid to reduce net migration.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that new rules would require care companies to hire British nationals or extend visas of foreign workers already residing in the country.

Legit.ng's head of politics and current affairs desk, Nurudeen Lawal, contributed the reaction of a legal expert to this report.

Source: Legit.ng