RCN Congress Calls for Action on Immigration Rules Affecting International Health and Care Workers
At the 2024 RCN Congress, voting members passed a resolution urging RCN Council to lobby governments regarding the adverse implications of new immigration rules on the current and future international workforce.
The International Workforce in Health and Care
In 2023, 150,000 Health and Care Worker visas were granted (UK Government, 2024). The Nursing and Midwifery Council (2023) reported that half of all new registrants in 2022-23 were internationally educated, highlighting the critical role of overseas staff in sustaining the UK’s health and care sectors. Additionally, over 70,000 care workers were recruited internationally during the same period (Skills for Care, 2023).
Despite their invaluable contributions, recent changes to immigration rules introduced by the UK Government risk undermining the UK’s ability to attract and retain international talent.
New Immigration Rules and Their Impact
From 11 March 2024, the following changes will come into effect:
- Family Separation for Care Workers: Care workers will no longer be able to bring partners or children to the UK.
- Increased Salary Thresholds for Family Reunification: Nurses and other health workers with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship must now meet a salary threshold of £38,700 to bring family members to the UK (NHS Employers, 2024).
These policies are likely to make the UK a less attractive destination for international health and care workers and may exacerbate existing workforce shortages.
Concerns Raised by the Cavendish Coalition
The Cavendish Coalition, representing health and social care organisations, has warned that these changes will have a devastating impact on recruitment and retention, potentially leading to declining care standards across the UK (NHS Employers, 2023).
Additional Pressures on International Staff
Internationally recruited health workers already face significant challenges:
- Increased Costs:
- Health and Care Worker visa application fees rose by 15% in October 2023.
- ILR application fees increased by 20%, now costing £2,885 per person.
- Family Visa Barriers:
- Single parents face challenges meeting the ‘sole responsibility’ rule due to the high burden of evidence required to bring their children to the UK.
- Limited Access to Support:
- Temporary visa holders are subject to a ‘no recourse to public funds’ condition, excluding them from certain benefits, including child support.
A Call for Change
The RCN must continue lobbying the government to abandon these detrimental changes and create an immigration system that values and respects the contribution of internationally educated nursing staff. These workers deserve policies that support family unity, reduce financial burdens, and foster a welcoming environment for international talent.
At Atwal Law, we specialise in UK immigration law and understand the complexities surrounding these changes. If you or your organisation need advice or assistance, contact us today at T.07973 760075.
