UK Cracks Down on Visa Regulations to Foster Domestic Employment and Reduce Immigration

In an attempt to prioritize local jobs and reduce immigration levels, the United Kingdom has made significant changes in its visa policy, with particular effects on the employment of foreign workers from countries like Nigeria. Effective from April 9, 2025, these new rules are intended to encourage that UK companies make genuine attempts to hire locally before accessing international talent.

Prioritizing Domestic Recruitment

Under the new regulations, employers in sectors such as adult social care are required to try all avenues of local recruitment before considering international candidates. This includes advertising job openings in the UK and providing evidence of these efforts when applying for a visa sponsorship license. The aim is to reduce dependence on foreign labor and respond to criticism of exploitation and abuse of migrant workers.

Increasing the Salary Thresholds for Skilled Worker Visas

In order to further regulate immigration and obtain fair wages, the government of the UK has raised the minimum wage for Skilled Worker visas. Starting from April 2025, candidates must secure a job with a salary of £25,000 annually, up from the previous £23,200. The action comes after raising the national minimum wage and shows the government's focus on hiring skilled immigrants while reducing reliance on low-wage workers.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Implementation

Apart from worker-oriented reforms, the UK is also introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme for greater border security. From 8 January 2025, non-European visitors, including those from the USA, Australia, and Canada, will need to obtain an ETA before arriving in the UK. This will include eligible European holidaymakers from 2 April 2025. The ETA is valid for two years or until the expiry of the passport and allows stays of up to six months per visit.

Tighter Rules on Student Visas

The government in the UK is also enhancing regulations on student visas to ensure the applicants are not fake but intent on undertaking credible courses of study. Officers are now accorded more authorities to turn away applications considered as non-genuine, particularly short-term courses on the English language. This effort aims at stemming misuse of the student visa process and securing educational institutions at higher standards.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employers who violate immigration law—such as ignoring domestic workers or treating overseas workers poorly—are liable to face severe penalties, including the revocation of their sponsorship licenses. The government has revoked more than 470 care sector licenses for over 39,000 workers associated with these sponsors in the past 18 months since October 2020. The actions indicate the government's determination to protect the integrity of the immigration system and the rights of workers.

Implications for Nigerian Workers

For Nigerian professionals who would like to work in the UK, these new developments call for proper preparation and tact. Prospective applicants should ensure that they are over the new salary thresholds and that their prospective employers have complied with domestic recruitment rules. In addition, knowing about the ETA system and how it is applied is crucial to a smooth transition.

Conclusion

The UK's new visa policy signals a strategic shift towards boosting domestic employment and limiting immigration. While the actions aim to protect indigenous employees and provide fair treatment of migrants, they also pose new obstacles for foreign nationals trying to secure work in the UK. It is important for employers and prospective staff to be informed and adapt to these changes while navigating the evolving landscape of UK immigration policy.