A Nigerian woman residing in the United Kingdom has gone public with a plea after her husband reportedly withdrew his sponsorship, triggering a Home Office notice that gives her only 60 days to secure a new Certificate of Sponsorship or leave the country. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, posted a video to social media describing the message from immigration officials and the urgency of her situation. She specifically referenced “sponsorship withdrawal” and appealed to Nigerians and anyone with a willing sponsor to assist before the deadline expires.
In the short clip, the woman explains that her husband had previously threatened to remove her from his Certificate of Sponsorship, known locally as a CoS, and ultimately carried out the threat. “The person I called my husband had been threatening me that he would remove me from his CoS, and he has finally done it,” she says, her voice trembling. She goes on to read the Home Office communication that gives her a two‑month window to find a new sponsor, after which she would be required to return to Nigeria. “I only have 60 days. Otherwise, I will have to return to Nigeria, and I don’t want to go back to Nigeria. Please help me,” she adds, expressing fear that her life is “gradually falling apart.”
The video quickly spread across platforms, prompting a flurry of comments and shares. While many users expressed sympathy and offered to look for potential sponsors, another social‑media account posted an alternative narrative. According to that user, the woman arrived in the UK about two years ago and was allegedly advised by friends that divorcing her husband could unlock government financial support while allowing her to stay in the country. The post claims she told her husband she no longer wanted the marriage, prompting him to agree to a separation and subsequently withdraw his sponsorship.
The individual who shared this counter‑story, posting under the handle Overt Radio Live, attached a screenshot of a tweet that reads: “She got to the UK 2yrs ago and unfortunately she met friends who told her that if she divorce her husband they'll deport him and start paying her monthly stipends aside the money she will be making there in the UK. So when she told her husband that she's no longer interested…” The account did not provide any verification of these claims, and no official statements from the couple or their legal representatives have been released.
Immigration experts note that a Certificate of Sponsorship is a formal document issued by an employer or a family member who holds a valid status, allowing a non‑citizen to remain and work in the UK. If the sponsor withdraws the CoS, the dependent must either find another eligible sponsor or leave the country within the period specified by the Home Office. The 60‑day timeframe cited by the woman aligns with standard practice for such cases, giving the individual a brief window to arrange new sponsorship or face removal proceedings.
Legal advisers caution that the process of obtaining a new sponsor can be complex. Prospective employers must meet salary thresholds and demonstrate that the role cannot be filled by a settled worker. For family‑based sponsorship, the sponsor must retain sufficient income and meet residency requirements. Failure to secure a replacement sponsor within the allotted period typically results in a “no recourse to public funds” status, limiting the individual’s access to welfare support and increasing the risk of detention.
The public reaction has been mixed. Some commenters have rallied around the woman, offering to connect her with contacts in the hospitality and healthcare sectors, which often sponsor overseas workers. Others have warned against potential fraud, citing the unverified claims about divorce advice and financial incentives. The Home Office has not commented on the specific case, but it routinely reminds the public that sponsorship arrangements are contractual and can be terminated under certain circumstances, such as a breakdown in the underlying relationship or breach of employment conditions.
As the 60‑day deadline approaches, the woman remains hopeful that a compassionate sponsor will step forward. She reiterated her willingness to relocate within the UK if necessary, emphasizing that she does not wish to return to Nigeria. No definitive resolution has been reported at the time of writing, and the next steps will depend on whether a new sponsor can be secured before the Home Office’s deadline expires.
Comments