UK Tightens the Noose on Immigrants — Nigerians Most Affected

Nigerians and other immigrants in the United Kingdom are increasingly facing a harsh reality as racism and new immigration laws make life tougher for foreign residents.

Once seen as a safe destination for education and better living, Britain is now becoming a place of fear and uncertainty for many migrants.Findings from Saturday PUNCH show that Nigerians, who now make up the second-largest group of non-European immigrants in the UK, are caught in two battles — a surge in racist behaviour and tightening immigration rules that could threaten their stay in the country.

According to data from the UK Office for National Statistics, over 120,000 Nigerians lived in Britain as of June 2024, with more than 52,000 arriving in the past year for work and study. However, many now fear that the British dream is fading due to discrimination and stricter laws.

The tension grew worse following a BBC Panorama investigation that exposed racist and abusive behaviour among officers of the London Metropolitan Police. The undercover report revealed officers making racist comments about immigrants and Muslims, as well as offensive jokes about sexual assault and violence.

The revelation sparked outrage across the country. Police authorities apologised and promised reforms, while political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, called for immediate action to restore public trust in law enforcement.

For many Nigerians in the UK, the exposé only confirmed their daily experiences. Several residents have spoken of being treated unfairly by law enforcement and facing growing hostility in public. Some say they now feel unsafe walking on the streets, especially at night, while others claim racism is creeping into workplaces and even the judicial system.

Beyond racism, migrants are also dealing with new immigration rules introduced by the Labour government aimed at reducing the number of foreign residents. The latest policy changes require migrants applying for permanent residency — known as Indefinite Leave to Remain — to meet tougher conditions.

These include having a stable job, avoiding public benefits, maintaining a clean record, and engaging in volunteer work.Migrants previously qualified for residency after legally living in the UK for five or ten years, depending on their visa category. But under the new rules, even long-term residents now face uncertainty.

The Labour Party says the changes are meant to assure citizens that the government can manage immigration effectively, especially amid growing pressure from right-wing groups like Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Party, which advocates stricter immigration limits.

Critics, however, believe the new policies unfairly target hard-working migrants who contribute to the UK’s economy. The changes follow an earlier decision in July 2025 to raise the salary requirement for foreign workers to £41,700 for most positions and £25,600 for health and care roles.

The minimum qualification level was also raised to degree-level jobs, shutting out many lower-skilled but essential workers such as admin staff, care supervisors, and IT support personnel.These adjustments have left many Nigerians stranded. Some have lost their jobs or sponsorships, while others are struggling to meet the new salary requirements.

A few are considering returning home after years of hard work, as opportunities continue to shrink.Margaret, a Nigerian who has lived in the UK for four years, said her Certificate of Sponsorship was suddenly invalidated despite meeting all requirements. She described the situation as “painful and unfair.”

Another migrant, Avoseh Pesu, described the new policy as a “war of stay,” saying employers now avoid hiring foreigners altogether.Experts fear that the new visa laws may cause a mass return of Nigerians from the UK.

Education consultant Sulaimon Okewole noted that the raised salary thresholds have made it nearly impossible for many migrants to keep their jobs, adding that thousands may be forced to relocate.Home Office records show that while Nigerian migration rose sharply between 2021 and 2023, the numbers began to fall in early 2024 — especially in the health sector — due to the stricter visa rules.

As both racism and legal hurdles tighten around them, many Nigerians in the UK now find themselves trapped between two threats: the hostility of a changing society and the pressure of a government determined to reduce their numbers.