15.07.20
Government launches new fast-track Health and Care Visa
In efforts to ensure UK health and care services can continue to secure top talent from across the globe, the UK government has launched the new Health and Care Visa.
Providing a cheaper, quicker and easier route for eligible health and care professionals from abroad to come to this country and work, the new fast-track visa is hoped to enable the steady, continued flow of overseas talent into the UK to work in the NHS, for NHS-commissioned service providers and in eligible occupations in the social care sector.
Announced by Home Secretary Priti Patel and Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock, further details were also made public on the exemption to the Immigration Health Surcharge for health and care staff, who will now be permanently exempt from the charge.
Launching in summer, the legislation needed to open the new route into the UK for global health and care professionals is set to be laid in Parliament in the coming days, with those eligible able to apply for the new visa from August.
The new Health and Care Visa will come with a reduced visa application fee compared to that paid by other skilled workers, including exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Those applying on this new route can also expect a decision on whether they can work in the UK within just three weeks, following biometric enrolment, as the UK government seeks to expedite the recruitment of health and care professionals to meet demand and ambitious targets.
Those working in health and social care who do not qualify for the Health and Care Visa will still be able to claim a reimbursement from the Immigration Health Surcharge if they have paid this on or after March 31, 2020.
Ms Patel said: “We are indebted to overseas health and care professionals for their tremendous contributions, not just in saving thousands of lives throughout this crisis, but for the vital role they play year-round.
“This new visa is part of our new immigration system making it quicker, cheaper and easier for the best and brightest health and care professionals from around the globe to work in our brilliant NHS.”
Mr Hancock added: “Our health and care system has always had a proud tradition of welcoming overseas staff to work, train and live in the UK, and I’m proud that the NHS is a destination of choice for talented people from around the world.
“The unwavering commitment, skill and compassion staff have shown during the fight against this deadly virus is nothing short of phenomenal, and the reimbursement of the immigration health surcharge recognises the enormous contribution of those who have come to the UK to work in health and social care.
“I’m incredibly proud of our health and care workforce and look forward to welcoming new professionals from across the globe to continue the fantastic work to ensure our health system remains the best in the world.”