The United Kingdom has extended visas for hundreds of foreign prison staff, with Nigerians making up the majority, to prevent a serious staffing shortage in the country’s prisons.

The move follows changes to visa rules earlier this year that could have led to deportation for many overseas officers.

The extension applies only to staff already in the UK and will run until the end of 2026.

The minimum salary requirement for the visas has been lowered to £33,400, staying in place until December 31, 2027. Previously, the skilled worker visa threshold was £41,700, which was higher than the starting salary for most new prison officers outside London, averaging around £33,000.

The Prison Officers Association had warned that the earlier rules could result in the loss of over 2,500 foreign recruits, a situation described as potentially “catastrophic” for prison operations.

Union leaders welcomed the visa extension, calling it a necessary step to maintain stability in the prison system.

Steve Gillan, the union’s General Secretary, said the decision allows officers to continue working without fear of deportation.

National chairman Mark Fairhurst added that staff can now focus on their daily duties with peace of mind.

The exemption was initially opposed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing British citizens for recruitment.

Justice Secretary David Lammy, however, argued that maintaining adequate staffing in prisons was an urgent priority for public safety.

Since 2023, UK prisons have been allowed to sponsor visas for overseas recruits due to difficulties in recruiting enough local officers.

Last year, Nigerians were the largest group of foreign recruits, making up 12% of prison staff in England and Wales, followed by Ghanaians.

A government spokesperson said that while migration has fallen significantly under the current administration, public safety remains the top priority, and the visa extension provides time to recruit more UK-based officers.