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UK Exempts Prison Officers from Visa Rules Amid Staffing Crisis

12/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

The UK government has exempted prison officers from new visa rules to address a staffing crisis.
The exemption lasts through 2026, with a reduced threshold of £33,400 through 2027.
Justice Secretary David Lammy argued £41,700 threshold would harm prisons reliant on staff from Nigeria and Ghana.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor warned a 'devastating effect' on jails without intervention.
The Migration Advisory Committee advised maintaining the higher salary threshold.

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Story summary

The UK government has exempted prison officers from new visa rules to address a staffing crisis.
The exemption lasts through 2026, with a reduced threshold of £33,400 through 2027.
Justice Secretary David Lammy argued £41,700 threshold would harm prisons reliant on staff from Nigeria and Ghana.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor warned a 'devastating effect' on jails without intervention.
The Migration Advisory Committee advised maintaining the higher salary threshold.