Nigerian Nurses in UK Receive Visa Cancellation Letters, Not Deportation Notices
By Fellow Nurses Africa | April 10, 2025
In March, we reported on a developing story involving over 50 Nigerian nurses in the UK who were allegedly served deportation notices amid an ongoing NMC investigation into test center fraud in Ibadan, Nigeria. You can read that original post here.
Since then, new information has come to light. A joint statement has now been issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK (NNCAUK), and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), providing much-needed clarification.
Over the past few weeks, news of Nigerian nurses facing deportation from the UK has caused widespread panic and confusion. Many believed that over 50 nurses were being forcibly removed from the country following an investigation into fraudulent activities at a test centre in Ibadan, Nigeria.
However, in a joint statement released by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK (NNCAUK), and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the real facts have now been clarified.
Not Deportation – But Visa Cancellation Letters
According to the statement, the affected nurses have not received deportation notices as previously reported. Instead, they have been issued visa cancellation letters – a routine step by the UK Home Office when an employer informs them that a migrant worker is no longer employed.
These letters do not mean immediate removal from the UK. They provide a 60-day grace period, allowing the individual to seek alternative options, such as:
- Securing a new job with a licensed sponsor
- Applying for a Health and Care Worker visa
- Switching to a different type of Skilled Worker visa
What Affected Nurses Should Do Next
Nurses who have received these letters are being strongly advised to:
- Seek legal advice from a registered immigration lawyer. You can find one through the UK Immigration Advice Finder
- Contact your trade union, which may provide access to immigration specialists
- If you are awaiting an NMC fitness-to-practice hearing but have not yet received a date, contact the NMC via: riteama@nmc-uk.org
Support Is Available
The NMC, NNCAUK, and RCN acknowledge the stress and uncertainty this situation has caused. They are encouraging all affected nurses to get proper advice and explore all legal options before making any decisions.
At Fellow Nurses Africa, we stand with our colleagues during this difficult time. These nurses moved to the UK to serve in the healthcare system, often making personal sacrifices. Now, they deserve fair treatment and clear guidance.
Kehinde Oluwatosin is one of the many editors here at Fellow Nurses Africa and fellownurses.com.
He is a registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in healthcare leadership from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Kehinde is passionate about advancing the nursing profession across Africa. As Co-Founder of Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a key role in shaping editorial direction, ensuring our content educates, informs, and empowers nurses continent-wide.
With expertise in leadership, patient flow, and healthcare operations, Kehinde brings valuable insights to nursing news, career development, and policy discussions. He is committed to amplifying the voice of African nurses and driving positive change in the profession.
