CIRC 087: TEMPORARY EXEMPTION TO CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE IMMIGRATION RULES

The POA have worked tirelessly behind the scenes after the new immigration rules were enacted in July 2025. We have been in dialogue consistently with senior officials of HMPPS and senior politicians about the devastating effects of the existing immigration rules on prisons in England and Wales.

I am delighted to announce that once again HMPPS senior officials and senior politicians have listened to the POA. The POA put credible arguments forward to ensure that those who had skilled worker visas and were expiring have hope moving forward. The government have announced today that they have agreed a temporary exemption to certain aspects of the immigration rules for the prison officer role. The government have agreed with the POA that prisons must run safely with the right level of experienced staff. The government have announced that they have given a specific, time limited exemption to visa rules for prison officers who are already in the country.

The change will remain in place up to the 31st of December 2026 with a lower salary threshold of £33,400 until 31st of December 2027.

HMPPS as your employer will be promulgating more details regarding the temporary exemption. We encourage all POA Committee’s to read and make sure that the information from HMPPS is circulated to those members affected.

Make no mistake, this is a major victory for this trade union as I am unaware of any other trade union so far managing to persuade government of the need to make this change in any other workplaces.

The POA would like to place on record our thanks to senior officials within HMPPS and Lord Timpson for listening and engaging with the POA in such a constructive manner. I would also like to thank the Home Office for engaging in such a constructive manner and recognising the difficulties had there been no temporary exemption granted.

Yours sincerely

STEVE GILLAN
General Secretary