Transport for London (TfL) employees sponsored on Skilled Worker visas marched to Downing Street today to protest immigration changes that could see dozens lose the right to stay. Backed by the RMT union, the workers say recent reforms have raised the skills threshold for certain transport roles and lifted wage floors beyond what many earn.
The affected cohort—mainly signalling technicians, track inspectors and control-room staff recruited pre-Brexit—were removed from the list of eligible “skilled” occupations in July. They now need to secure alternative roles at RQF 6 level and meet higher pay thresholds by the time their current permissions expire.
![TfL Migrant Staff Deliver Letter to 10 Downing St. Demanding Visa Rule Fix]()
TfL asked the Home Office for transitional measures but was rebuffed last week, prompting today’s demonstration. In a letter handed to No. 10, staff call for grandfather rights allowing existing visa holders to renew under old criteria or, at minimum, a grace period to upskill. The union warns that forcing experienced technicians out could jeopardise London Underground’s ambitious upgrade schedule and daily reliability.
For business-travel managers, the dispute flags a broader trend: changes to the Immigration Salary List (now being phased out) and Temporary Shortage List are squeezing mid-skill roles that many infrastructure operators rely on. Companies should map employee visa expiry dates against upcoming rule changes and consider early extensions or role redesigns.
The Mayor’s office says it is “extremely concerned” and will lobby ministers, but the Home Office insists the reforms are vital to reduce net migration and encourage employers to train UK residents. Unless a compromise emerges, employers across the transport sector may face similar talent gaps as legacy visas come up for renewal.
The affected cohort—mainly signalling technicians, track inspectors and control-room staff recruited pre-Brexit—were removed from the list of eligible “skilled” occupations in July. They now need to secure alternative roles at RQF 6 level and meet higher pay thresholds by the time their current permissions expire.
TfL asked the Home Office for transitional measures but was rebuffed last week, prompting today’s demonstration. In a letter handed to No. 10, staff call for grandfather rights allowing existing visa holders to renew under old criteria or, at minimum, a grace period to upskill. The union warns that forcing experienced technicians out could jeopardise London Underground’s ambitious upgrade schedule and daily reliability.
For business-travel managers, the dispute flags a broader trend: changes to the Immigration Salary List (now being phased out) and Temporary Shortage List are squeezing mid-skill roles that many infrastructure operators rely on. Companies should map employee visa expiry dates against upcoming rule changes and consider early extensions or role redesigns.
The Mayor’s office says it is “extremely concerned” and will lobby ministers, but the Home Office insists the reforms are vital to reduce net migration and encourage employers to train UK residents. Unless a compromise emerges, employers across the transport sector may face similar talent gaps as legacy visas come up for renewal.
