London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has urged the government to reconsider recently introduced immigration measures that could see hundreds of Transport for London (TfL) employees forced to leave the UK. The appeal follows mounting concern from unions representing transport workers affected by the new visa thresholds.
Growing Fears Among TfL Staff
Under changes implemented on 22 July, the government raised the minimum salary requirement for visa sponsorship to £41,700 a year, while removing several transport roles from the Skilled Worker list. Many TfL employees, including customer service assistants and trainees, currently earn below this threshold, leaving their immigration status uncertain.
According to the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), as many as 300 TfL workers could be impacted by the rule changes. Most of those affected are employed on Skilled Worker or Graduate visas and work across the Underground network in front-line roles.
Mayor’s Call for Intervention
Speaking at a London Assembly session on 9 October, Sadiq Khan said the new rules had “left TfL staff in limbo” and accused ministers of “moving the goalposts” for essential workers who came to the UK under clear visa terms.
He confirmed that Seb Dance, the Deputy Mayor for Transport, had written to the Migration Minister urging the government to pause the measures. The letter also called for immediate protection for affected employees.
“These people keep London moving every day,” said the Mayor. “They deserve clarity and fairness, not uncertainty about their right to stay and work in the city they serve.”
Unions Condemn “Needless Uncertainty”
Unions have strongly backed the Mayor’s stance, warning that the changes could severely disrupt London’s transport operations and displace skilled staff.
Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary of the TSSA, described the situation as a “betrayal” of the government’s earlier promises to migrant workers. “These employees have spent thousands to live and work here, many have built their lives in London and now they’re being told they might not belong,” she said.
Meanwhile, Eddie Dempsey, General Secretary of the RMT, said some members had already been told to prepare for removal as early as November. “This could and should have been avoided,” he added. “Transport workers hired under legitimate visa arrangements are now facing needless upheaval.”
Impact on TfL and the Wider Workforce
TfL has acknowledged the distress caused by the sudden policy shift, confirming that it is working closely with affected employees to explore “alternative routes” to remain employed in the UK.
A TfL spokesperson said: “We are supporting colleagues impacted by these changes and helping them understand what options may be available to continue working with us.”
Government Response
The Home Office has yet to formally respond to the Mayor’s appeal but defended the broader immigration strategy, stating that the updated Immigration White Paper seeks to “restore order” and reduce reliance on “lower-skilled international recruitment.”
However, critics argue the approach risks undermining public services dependent on migrant labour particularly in transport, health and social care where pay often falls below the new salary threshold.
A Call for Fairness
As the dispute continues, London’s transport unions are pressing for a policy rethink that balances immigration control with the essential needs of the capital’s workforce.
For now, hundreds of TfL employees remain in an anxious limbo, uncertain whether they can continue the work that keeps London’s transport network running every day.
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