Doctors call for overseas NHS staff to be given leave to remain

All international NHS and social care staff who have worked during the pandemic and their families should be given indefinite leave to remain in the UK, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has said.
More than a third of nurses in the care sector in Yorkshire are from overseasMore than a third of nurses in the care sector in Yorkshire are from overseas
More than a third of nurses in the care sector in Yorkshire are from overseas

The college is calling for a "new deal" for overseas health and social care workers, including exempting them from the international health surcharge to use the NHS, which costs £400 per person.

The proposed NHS visa, which the Government says will make it easier for doctors and nurses from around the world to work in the UK, should also be extended to social care staff, the RCP said.

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More than 8,000 NHS staff in Yorkshire are from overseas, according to official figures, including more than a third of the region’s doctors. Workers from overseas make up a similarly large percentage of the social care workforce.

The RCP carried out a poll of 1,679 people and found 67 per cent thought it was unlikely that the NHS would have been able to tackle coronavirus without international staff.

Six in 10 people also thought overseas staff who have worked in the NHS during the pandemic should have the right to permanently stay in the UK.

The same number thought international NHS and social care staff should not have to pay an annual charge to use the health service.

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Meanwhile, 69 per cent said the Government should publicly acknowledge their contributions.

Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the RCP, said: "There is no doubt in my mind that our NHS would not be able to cope, even in 'normal' times, without the contribution of our international colleagues.

"Their work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic has been crucial to saving lives, and our polling results today clearly show that the public share our eagerness to reward them for their commitment and dedication.

"The Government has an opportunity to reset the narrative and make the NHS a truly welcoming place to work for everyone.

"I hope they seize it."