By: Erewunmi Peace

In a sweeping immigration policy overhaul, the United Kingdom has officially announced a ban on the overseas recruitment of care workers—a move that affects thousands of potential migrants, including a significant number from Nigeria.

The new rule, announced by the UK Home Secretary, will take effect from July 22, 2025, and will see the closure of visa routes that previously allowed foreign nationals to work in the UK’s health and social care sector. This measure is part of the UK government’s wider plan to reduce net migration and address growing concerns about abuse and exploitation within the sector.

What This Means

From July 22, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa. This includes new applicants from Nigeria and other countries that have traditionally filled a critical shortage of staff in the UK’s social care system.

However, care workers who are already living and working in the UK under the existing visa scheme will be allowed to:

Extend their visas,

Switch to other visa routes, and

Apply for permanent residency—until 2028, when all transitional options will end.

Government Justification

The UK Home Secretary described the change as part of a “complete reset” of immigration policy. The government stated that the health and care sector has been vulnerable to worker exploitation and visa misuse, prompting the crackdown. This move also follows growing political pressure to cut migration numbers ahead of the next general elections.

Impact on Nigerians and Other Migrants

Nigerians have consistently been among the top nationalities recruited into the UK health and care system in recent years. This decision is expected to have a major impact on aspiring migrant workers and recruitment agencies across Nigeria.

Experts warn that the ban may lead to:

Increased unemployment among skilled Nigerian health workers seeking opportunities abroad.

A loss of remittances that benefit families and the Nigerian economy.

A growing need for alternative migration pathways.

Reactions

The news has sparked mixed reactions. While some UK citizens and political leaders welcome the policy shift, healthcare experts warn it could worsen staffing shortages in the already strained care sector.

Nigerian citizens and diaspora groups have expressed disappointment, calling for bilateral talks and more sustainable immigration partnerships.