UK bars Nigerians, other foreign workers from over 100 occupations

The United Kingdom has barred foreign nationals, including Nigerians, from filling more than 100 job categories in a sweeping move to curb rising migration.

The UK Home Office announced the policy shift in a statement on Saturday, August 30, describing it as part of efforts to prioritise opportunities for local workers and overhaul the visa system.

“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,” the Home Office stated.

The government did not specify which occupations were affected.

This marks one of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s earliest migration decisions since taking office on July 5, 2024, after Labour’s sweeping election victory over Rishi Sunak’s administration.

Critics have warned that the changes could deepen workforce shortages in key sectors such as health and social care.

The UK attracted around 52,000 Nigerian migrants in 2024 alone, placing Nigeria among the leading sources of non-EU+ migration to Britain during the year.