Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about NHS staff and immigration as the Coronavirus outbreak continues.
I couldn’t agree with you more that we have seen courageous and heroic efforts made by front-line staff during this pandemic and we owe them an immense debt of gratitude. Ministers have been clear that they continue to consider how best to support the health and social care sector.
I am particularly pleased that the Government has taken action to ensure the immigration system does not unduly infringe the ability of the NHS to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak. Several healthcare professionals in eligible roles working for the NHS or independent healthcare providers will have their visa automatically extended by one year if it is due to expire before 1 October 2020. I am pleased that family members with a visa due to expire before 1 October 2020 could also have their visa extended.
The Government has made sure that the extension is free and the immigration health surcharge will not have to be paid as part of this extension. I know Ministers are aware of the pressure frontline health workers are under at the current time and therefore recognise the need to make this process as easy as possible. It is good news that eligible staff do not need to apply for this extension.
Thank you again for contacting me.
Kind regards, Alister