Life as a Nigerian Prison Worker in the UK: How Sleeping in Cars Becomes a Cost-Saving Necessity

The Cost of Living for Nigerians in UK Prisons: Why Many Choose to Sleep in Their Cars to Save on Housing Expenses

The United Kingdom’s prison service has initiated the recruitment of prison officers from Nigeria and other countries to address staffing shortages. This marks the first time the UK government is sponsoring skilled worker visas for overseas recruits, following a change in immigration rules in October 2023.

However, many of these new recruits have encountered significant accommodation challenges upon arrival. Some have resorted to sleeping in their cars or setting up makeshift camps near their places of work due to the absence of housing provisions. For instance, one recruit, unable to afford a 70-mile daily commute, chose to sleep in his car outside the prison.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) has expressed concern over this situation, highlighting the difficulties faced by overseas recruits who arrive expecting housing to be provided, only to find that no such accommodation is available. Mark Fairhurst, the president of the POA, described the situation as dire, noting that recruits have turned up at prisons with their families and luggage, assuming housing would be provided.

In response, the UK prison service has stated that all staff, regardless of nationality, undergo robust assessments and training before working in prisons. A spokesperson mentioned that changes made to the skilled worker visa scheme in October 2023 have allowed the prison service to sponsor visa applications for foreign nationals.