Nurses and Care Workers Immigration Policy Update

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The Nursing and Midwifery Council and Supporting Information

Nurses and Care Workers Immigration Policy Update

At Servisource, we strive to keep healthcare workers updated with the latest information. Back in December 2023, the UK government revealed adjustments to the immigration system, and it has been revealed that these adjustments are set to be enacted in March and April 2024. The timeline for implementation of these changes to the UK’s immigration policy and what these changes entail are outlined below as well as how they will impact international recruits across NHS trusts.

Did You Know?

Figures published in November, state that health and care visas were the most common type of work visa on which dependants came to the UK, adding that this was driving the increase in immigration of those on work dependant visas.

Nurses and Care Workers Immigration Policy Update

What will these changes entail?

Reforms that will restrict care workers from bringing dependants and will require care providers to register with the Care Quality Commission if they are sponsoring migrants.
The laying of Immigration Rules, which will include the removal of the 20% going rate discount for occupations on the Shortage Occupation List.
A new increase to the minimum salary required for those arriving on the Skilled Worker visa, from £26,200 to £38,700, on 4 April. This will impact trusts that employ overseas staff in non-clinical roles, such as IT or finance. Those coming to the UK via the Health and Care Visa route and those on national pay skills will be exempt from this specific threshold.
Increasing the minimum income requirement threshold in stages for family visas, starting at £29,000 from 11 April.

Below is a description of how these changes will impact various international staff across the NHS and social care.

Health and Care Visas:

Applies to those on a Health and Care Visa (such as nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, etc). A list of applicable roles can be found on GOV.UK.
The Health and Care Visa is a sub-type of the Skilled Worker Visa. During the application process, candidates will be asked if they are applying for a Health and Care Visa and will need to select yes.
The increased salary threshold does not apply. Recruitment to these roles can continue as normal (i.e. at least £20,960 or the national pay scale for the role).
They will continue to be exempt from the IHS.
They can still bring dependants to the UK as part of their visa. Dependents have a generic right to work meaning that they can be employed by the NHS, in another sector or not work.
Only CQC-registered providers in England will be able to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants, of which trusts are already registered. These changes do not affect the NHS.
Dependants of those on a Health and Care Visa can be employed by a trust at any role regardless of skill level or salary threshold, as long as the main visa holder meets the appropriate pay scale (as is the current case).
For applications made on/after 11 March 2024, care workers (SOC 6145) and senior care workers (SOC 6146) under the Health and Care Visa will not be able to bring dependants as part of their visa application.

The Government advises that while it is determined to reduce net migration, it understands the importance of internationally educated health and care workers. The measures will crack down on rising migration, help curb the abuse of the Health and Care visa route and ensure British labour is not undercut by overseas workers.

When will these changes be implemented?

The changes to care workers and senior care workers will be implemented on 11 March 2024. From this date care workers (SOC 6145) and senior care workers (SOC 6146) will be unable to bring dependents when they migrate to the UK, and only CQC-registered providers in England will be able to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants. These changes do not affect those employed on a Health and Care visa on other occupation codes (SOCs).

The changes to salary thresholds for Skilled Workers will be introduced via Immigration Rules with implementation in April 2024.

The increase of the Immigration Health Surcharge will increase to £1,035 on 6 February 2024.

International Recruitment at Servisource

Our team recruit Nurses and Care Workers across all disciplines from around the world.
We manage all aspects of the recruitment process including interview scheduling, compliance checks, and even welcome international candidates by meeting them at the airport.
Servisource operate regionally, nationally and globally, providing access to the right people with the right skills and knowledge in the right place.

The forthcoming changes to the UK’s immigration system signify a pivotal moment for international recruitment within NHS trusts. Until these adjustments are put forward in March and April 2024, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for the potential impact on employment and visa procedures for overseas workers. By staying vigilant and proactive in navigating these developments, we can ensure the continued strength and effectiveness of healthcare services across the UK.

Please continue to check the NHS Employers and GOV.UK websites for the latest updates and information.