This week it was announced as of Friday 15th June, the immigration cap on doctors and nurses has been axed.
Most have welcomed the news, with NHS bosses describing it as a “huge relief” more doctors and nurses from outside the EU can now be welcomed into the UK to fill roles.
Before the lift, only one-third of requests by overseas health professionals were accepted into the UK – despite severe NHS staff shortages.
But the rethink by the government this week hasn’t been welcome news for everyone, with an immigration pressure group outlining how the UK should be instead training their own medical staff.
First introduced by Theresa May when she was home secretary, the now current home secretary Sajid Javid has stated on the immigration cap: “I recognise the pressures faced by the NHS and other sectors in recent months. Doctors and nurses play a vital role in society and at this time we need more in the UK. That is why I have reviewed our skilled worker visa route.”
However, Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the British Medical Association council, argued: “[…] This represents a victory for the BMA, medical bodies and patients who have argued that this obstructive cap was doing real damage to patient services across the country.”
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