The proposed immigration changes by the UK government could lead to as many as 50,000 nurses leaving the country, intensifying the ongoing workforce crisis in the National Health Service (NHS). Research from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) indicates that these plans are causing significant distress among foreign NHS and social care staff, who represent approximately 25% of the UK’s 794,000 nursing workforce.
Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has pledged to reduce net migration. The government’s proposals include extending the waiting period for migrants to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five years to as long as 10 years. This change would also raise the skills requirements for foreign workers to a degree level and increase the English language proficiency needed for all types of visas, including those for dependents. These measures have been interpreted as a response to the rising influence of Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party.
Nursing leaders have condemned the government’s approach, labeling the proposals as “immoral” and claiming they treat skilled migrants as “political footballs.” They warn that a mass exodus could jeopardize patient safety and hinder government efforts to reduce waiting times for treatment.
The RCN’s survey, which included responses from over 5,000 migrant nursing staff, revealed that many are contemplating leaving the UK due to the proposed changes. Currently, there are more than 200,000 internationally educated nursing staff in the UK, and nearly 10% of them could be affected by the immigration adjustments.
According to government statistics, 76,876 nurses have received visas since 2021 and would be eligible for settled status after five years under current regulations. The proposed changes, however, threaten their future in the UK, as nearly 60% of those without ILR indicated that the alterations were “very likely” to impact their decision to remain in the country. This suggests that over 46,000 nurses may permanently leave the UK.
Prof. Nicola Ranger, the general secretary and chief executive of the RCN, stated, “These proposals are not just immoral; they would be dangerous for our patients. 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 emphasized that the plans risk deepening the NHS workforce crisis and undermining efforts to alleviate treatment delays.
The proposals have also been described as a “betrayal” of migrant nursing staff, many of whom came to the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic to support healthcare efforts. Prof. Ranger highlighted the sacrifices made by these individuals, stating, “This is no way to repay them and amounts to a betrayal. Our international colleagues deserve clarity over their futures, not to be used as political footballs.”
Without ILR, migrant nursing staff face restrictions on job mobility, as their visas tie them to specific employers. This situation has contributed to instances of exploitation within the social care sector. The proposed changes would also prevent these workers from accessing state support, such as child benefits and disability payments, for a decade, despite their contributions to the tax system.
The survey data indicates that 53% of migrant nurses are “extremely concerned” about their financial security, while 52% express serious worries about the impact on their families. Additionally, 49% of respondents are anxious about their career prospects. The findings raise concerns that the new immigration rules could deter future foreign workers from migrating to the UK, with only 11% of respondents stating they would have considered moving to the UK if the settlement route were ten years.
The RCN is also advocating for a reduction in the ILR application fee, which currently stands at £3,029 per person. This fee has seen a significant increase from just £155 in 2003, despite the estimated processing cost being around £523.
In response to the backlash, a government spokesperson acknowledged the vital role of overseas frontline healthcare workers but reiterated the need to reduce 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. A public consultation regarding these immigration changes is expected to be announced shortly, allowing health and care workers to voice their opinions.
