Visas - Healthcare Staff and COVID-19

Thank you for contacting me about NHS staff and immigration as the Coronavirus outbreak continues.

I couldn’t agree 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. 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. 

Anyone in an eligible profession working for the NHS or an independent healthcare provider 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. 

The visa extensions are just one part of the Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and you may be pleased to know that Ministers have been clear that they continue to consider how best to support the health and social care sector.

I also welcome the Prime Minister's announcement that NHS and care workers will be exempted from the Immigration Health Surcharge fee as soon as possible, as a testament to their inspirational work throughout this crisis. I will continue to monitor this issue closely as more details emerge.