ALERT: New Care Visa Rules Could Hit NHS Hard & Impact Nigerian Carers in the UK

Things are getting tighter in the UK care sector. Experts are now warning that the government’s latest immigration reforms could leave the NHS “overwhelmed” and thousands of Nigerians in the UK without a clear path forward.

📉 The Gap is Growing

Shweta Dowlot Maulayah, CEO of Maucare Services in Gravesend, Kent, has sounded the alarm. She revealed that the new rules would cost her company an extra £15,000 per employee every year just to keep them sponsored.

“We are going to lose lots of carers, and this is going to create a massive gap,” she told the BBC.

Because care work is often seen as low-pay for high responsibility, recruiting local British workers has been “struggling.” If care companies can’t afford the new visa costs, they may have to “downsize or even close down.”

🛑 What’s Actually Changing in 2026?

The government is moving away from international recruitment to focus on “domestic workers.” Here is what you need to know:

• Higher English Requirements: As of January 8, 2026, new applicants for Skilled Worker visas must hit a B2 level in English (up from B1).

• Salary Thresholds: Minimum pay for sponsored roles has increased. For most health and care roles, the base is now at least £25,000 (or the NHS pay band, whichever is higher).

• Dependants: New care workers (SOC 6135/6136) can no longer bring family members. If you were already in the route before March 2024, you are still protected, but new switchers face “no permission, no travel” for family.

• Settlement (ILR) Changes: There are talks of extending the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from 5 years to 10 years starting in April 2026.

🛠️ What the Government Says

The Home Office claims they are “stamping out abuse and exploitation” in the sector. Their plan includes:

1. Adult Social Care Fair Pay Agreement: A new plan to boost local wages (expected to fully kick in by 2028).

2. Immigration Skills Charge: This has increased to £1,320 per year per person for large sponsors—making it even more expensive for companies to hire us.

💡 Naija UK Connect: Advice for Our People

If you are currently on a Health and Care visa or looking to switch, don’t panic, but be proactive:

• Existing Holders: If you were sponsored before March 11, 2024, you can still extend your visa and stay with your dependants.

• Check Your Sponsor: Ensure your employer can handle the new £1,320/year Skills Charge. If they “downsize,” you may need to find a new sponsor quickly.

• Prepare for B2: If you are planning a fresh application, start practicing for the higher B2 English test now.

The care sector is the backbone of the UK, and Nigerians are a huge part of that. We will keep you updated as these rules evolve.

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