Deadline Looms for Digital Nomads: Sixty Days to Secure a UK Work Visa, Face Removal if Unsuccessful
In the heart of Lagos, a significant event is set to unfold on October 15-16, dubbed as Moonshot. Amidst the excitement, early bird tickets for this event are now 20% off, offering a unique opportunity for those interested.
However, the spotlight today is on a tech worker who faced a challenging journey in the UK. This individual, whose identity remains undisclosed in search results, was employed by a global tech company based in Rwanda, working remotely with a team spread across Europe.
In the summer of 2021, the tech worker was offered an internship opportunity by the same company. This was followed by a full-time offer, and discussions commenced for relocation to the UK. However, the tech worker's tenure was abruptly cut short in 2025, with a 60-day ultimatum to find a new sponsor or face deportation.
The tech worker's visa application process was no walk in the park. It involved health screenings, a tuberculosis test, and providing documents such as a police report and affidavits explaining discrepancies in the surname. The process took over two months to complete.
Fortunately, the tech worker managed to secure a visa transfer from a fintech company, allowing them to survive the 60-day countdown. But the curtailment period came with a heavy emotional burden, as it does for many migrants who find themselves in similar situations.
It's important to note that not all migrants are so fortunate. Migrants on Skilled Worker visas who lose their jobs may have to leave the country, potentially losing years of progress and investments. This is a stark reminder of the precarious nature of their situation.
The UK government is currently considering a proposal to extend the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) timeline to ten years, which could provide some relief to these migrants. Currently, it takes five years on a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa to qualify for ILR. Health and care jobs, interestingly, have a lower salary threshold of £25,600 ($30,000) for visa sponsorship, compared to £41,700 ($49,000) for most Skilled Worker roles.
Some sponsoring companies are also recognising the emotional toll that comes with sudden layoffs. They are making efforts to provide emotional support and resources to help their employees navigate this difficult time. This is a positive step towards creating a more supportive environment for migrant workers in the UK.
