The UK has banned overseas care worker recruitment, hitting Nigerians hard, as new immigration rules aim to cut migration but risk worsening care sector shortages.
The UK government, under Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has abruptly halted the care worker visa route for overseas recruitment, including thousands of Nigerians, effective Monday, May 12, 2025. The policy, outlined in the Immigration White Paper, seeks to slash net migration—recorded at 728,000 in 2024—by blocking around 50,000 low-skilled worker visas this year.
Nigerian care workers, a vital part of the UK’s social care system, now face uncertainty. Care providers are directed to hire UK residents or extend visas for over 10,000 existing migrant workers, many of whom endured exploitation or fake job offers. Care England labeled the move a “disaster” for a sector already short of 130,000 workers.
The Homecare Association warned that Nigeria’s “best brains” in care could be lost, leaving elderly and disabled UK residents vulnerable. Dr. Jane Townson called international recruitment a “godsend” for homecare, predicting chaos without it.
The UK promises better pay and training for local workers, but UNISON’s Christina McAnea urged funding to stabilize the sector. Nigerians expressed dismay, fearing job losses and dashed dreams abroad.
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