Up to 50,000 Nurses May Leave UK Amid Immigration Overhaul

Concerns are mounting that up to 50,000 nurses could leave the UK due to new immigration proposals from the government, which are poised to create a significant workforce crisis within the National Health Service (NHS). A survey conducted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) reveals that the changes could deeply impact the ability of foreign nursing staff to remain in the UK, particularly as the health system struggles under increasing demand and existing staff shortages.

The proposals, unveiled by Keir Starmer, include extending the waiting period for migrants to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to ten years. Additionally, the plans aim to raise the skill requirements for foreign workers to degree level and enhance the English language proficiency necessary for all visa categories. Nursing leaders have condemned these measures as “immoral” and a means of politicizing the treatment of skilled migrants.

A public consultation on these immigration changes is expected to be announced imminently, intensifying the urgency surrounding the issue. According to the RCN survey, which included over 5,000 migrant nursing staff, 60% of those without ILR indicated that the proposed changes are “very likely” to affect their plans to stay in the UK. This suggests that more than 46,000 nurses could potentially quit the country.

Under the current conditions, over 200,000 of the NHS’s total workforce of 794,000 comprises internationally educated nurses. The UK government has issued 76,876 visas to international nursing staff since 2021, with many currently eligible for settled status after five years. However, the proposed extension of this period has sparked alarm and left many questioning their future in the UK.

Prof Nicola Ranger, general secretary and chief executive of the RCN, emphasized the dangers these proposals pose to patient safety. “No minister who has any interest in the success of our health and social care system would press ahead with extending the qualifying period for ILR,” she stated. Ranger called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposals, warning that they could exacerbate the existing NHS workforce crisis and undermine efforts to reduce waiting times for treatment.

The sentiment among migrant nursing staff is one of deep concern. The RCN survey revealed that 53% of participants expressed extreme worry about their financial stability, while 52% were anxious about the impact on their families. Almost half (49%) voiced concerns about their career prospects in light of the new immigration framework.

The proposed immigration changes would also deny migrant workers access to state support, such as child benefits and disability payments, for a decade. This situation has been described as exploitative, particularly as many migrant nursing staff are tied to their employers due to visa restrictions. “If the government continues to show nursing staff they aren’t welcome here, they shouldn’t be surprised when they decide to leave,” Ranger remarked.

The RCN is advocating for a reduction in the application fees for ILR, which currently stand at £3,029 per person, despite the estimated processing cost being just £523. This fee marked an increase from £155 in 2003, further complicating the financial burden on migrant workers.

In response to the backlash, a government spokesperson acknowledged the contributions of overseas healthcare workers but reiterated the need for reduced net migration. “As the Home Secretary has set out, under our proposed new settlement model, individuals will have the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period to settlement and citizenship based on contributions to the UK economy and society,” the spokesperson stated, highlighting the importance of the upcoming consultation for health and care workers.

As the situation evolves, the potential departure of thousands of nurses could have serious implications for the UK’s healthcare system, raising questions about how the government plans to address the looming workforce crisis. The outcome of the public consultation may shape the future landscape of health services in the UK, and the voices of migrant workers will be crucial in determining the direction of immigration policy.