Important News regarding VISA elibigility for London Transport Workers
This article examines TFL workers facing deportation from the UK. More than 60 foreign Transport for London (TfL) employees could be forced to leave the UK. A recent change in visa rules means they no longer qualify for sponsorship.
What has changed?
The new rules raise salary thresholds and remove key transport roles from the eligible occupations list. Many of those affected came on skilled worker visas. Some joined TfL through two-year graduate schemes, hoping to later transition to sponsored roles.
TfL said it’s “working with all colleagues affected by the changes… to understand whether they have other routes to work in the UK available to them and to support them where possible.”
But the change has drawn strong criticism. Members of the London Assembly called it “unfair and short-sighted.” Still, the Home Office defended the policy. It said the new immigration strategy aims to “restore order” and reduce dependence on lower-skilled international recruitment.
In a statement, the Home Office added:
“Every sector must develop a workforce plan that focuses on training British workers. Those that don’t will lose access to the immigration system.”
These changes took effect on 22 July and will remain in place until at least the end of 2026.
What are the salary thresholds in question?
The RMT union believes many workers accepted TfL jobs expecting to qualify for skilled visas later. TfL’s graduate salaries start at £31,000, far below the new £41,700 threshold. Even trainee station staff, who earn between £35,300 and £41,800, barely meet the new limit.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said:
“Our members took these jobs in good faith. They planned to build their futures here. Now, these new rules threaten their lives and risk leaving gaps in the London Underground workforce.”
Who is affected?
According to some soruces, many workers are affected. For instance, transport workers Adeoye, Ade and Arjun are witnessing their future destroyed by changes brought in by the government’s white paper. The White Paper, unveiled in Mayhe means they could face losing their jobs and not only this but face threat of deportation.
Nevertheless, they are defiant and are prepared to fight it with the support of the RMT union, supporters and colleagues.
These three workers have been living in Britain legally on two-year graduate visas. Each individual took on jobs with Transport for London (TfL) with the understanding that they could apply for a skilled worker visa on expiration of the visas. Skilled worker visas would henceforth require sponsorship from a government approved employer.
One affected employee, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:
“I just want a fair chance to work. My colleagues and I did nothing wrong. We’ve gone above and beyond – some have even saved lives.
When I found out my role no longer qualifies, it was like a nuclear bomb went off in my home. It’s devastated my family.”
We will continue to monitor the Home Office’s position on this policy.
For info
In the meantime if you would like more information on this and any issues affecting migration to the UK, please contact Leena Chouhan on 00442074275972 – see Leena’s Profile HERE
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Civil procedure rules and case law can change. Always seek professional legal advice tailored to your specific situation before acting.