“We will close social care visas to new applications from abroad.”
PUNCH
Thousands of Nigerians and other African migrants are set to face tougher immigration hurdles under new policies announced in the UK Immigration White Paper on May 12, 2025.
Key reforms include an end to new overseas applications for social care visas. “We will close social care visas to new applications from abroad,” the paper stated, affecting many Nigerians working in the UK care sector.
Skilled worker routes now require roles at RQF Level 6 and above, with salary discounts removed. “Skilled must mean skilled… Salary thresholds will rise.”
The post-study Graduate Route has been cut to 18 months. “We will reduce the ability for graduates to remain in the UK after their studies to a period of 18 months.”
Tighter rules also affect family, asylum, and private life claims, while broader English test requirements and a doubled settlement timeline will impact long-term migration plans.
“We will tackle the over-complex family and private life immigration arrangements,” the government added.