The UK government has acknowledged it does not yet know how many NHS staff could be affected by its proposed immigration reforms, as the consultation on the changes approaches its final stages.
Health minister Karin Smyth confirmed that the Department of Health and Social Care does not hold national data on how many current NHS workers might be impacted by planned changes to settlement rules. The reforms aim to extend the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five years to 10 years for many migrants, with some potentially facing waits of up to 15 years depending on visa category and circumstances.
Under the proposals, doctors and nurses directly employed by the NHS would remain exempt from the extended ILR timeline. However, workers in social care and private healthcare settings – including those supporting NHS-contracted services to reduce waiting lists – are expected to be affected. The policy forms part of a broader effort by the government to tighten immigration rules and reduce overall migration.
The proposals have drawn criticism from some MPs and industry bodies. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan described the changes as unfair and questioned how such significant reforms could move forward without clear data on their impact across the health and care workforce. Trade unions and professional organisations have also raised concerns. The Royal College of Nursing warned the plans could create division between different categories of healthcare workers, while Unison said the measures risk leaving many international staff in prolonged uncertainty.
Currently, most migrants on eligible visas can apply for settlement after five years of lawful residence. The new proposals would double this period for many applicants and introduce additional requirements, including stronger English-language standards and evidence of sustained economic contribution. The government is also considering tougher rules on bringing dependants to the UK.
The Department of Health and Social Care has said it values the contribution of overseas workers but wants the NHS to avoid over-reliance on international recruitment. A new workforce plan for the health service is expected to be published in the spring, while the consultation on the ILR reforms is due to conclude soon.
Recent figures show that applications for health and care worker visas have already fallen significantly over the past year following earlier policy changes, including restrictions on overseas care worker recruitment and higher salary thresholds for skilled workers. Analysts warn that longer settlement timelines could further affect recruitment and retention in the sector, particularly in social care and community health services.
Professional bodies say clarity is urgently needed on how many workers will be affected and what transitional arrangements may apply to those already in the UK. Without detailed impact assessments, they argue, uncertainty could worsen existing staffing shortages across health and care services.
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News Source: Independent