UK Introduces Temporary Exemption for Foreign Prison Officers Under Skilled Worker Visa Rules
The UK government has introduced a temporary exemption for foreign prison officers already working in the country from the new skilled worker visa rules. This exemption will last until 31 December 2026, with a lower salary threshold of £33,400 applying until 31 December 2027.
This move aims to prevent a staffing crisis in UK prisons, which rely heavily on overseas recruits, especially from Nigeria and Ghana. Since 2023, prisons have been able to sponsor overseas visa applications to address the shortage of British applicants. In 2023-24, Nigeria accounted for more than 700 recruits, representing 29% of applicants and 12% of staff, while Ghana had 140 offers.
The Prison Officers Association (POA) warned that the changes to visa rules could result in the loss of more than 2,500 overseas recruits, putting prison stability at risk. Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor also cautioned that dependence on West African recruits and the risk of visa renewals could have a devastating effect on prisons. The POA welcomed the exemption as a common-sense step that should help maintain prison stability.
Politically, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reportedly resisted the exemption measure, while Justice Secretary David Lammy discussed it. Officials stated the measure is temporary and intended to allow future UK recruitment to be restructured.
The government framed the exemption as necessary to keep prisons safe and functional, noting that net migration has fallen and that the temporary exemption provides breathing space to reorganize prison recruitment in the UK.
