Health Minister Karin Smyth has publicly admitted she does not know how many NHS staff will be impacted by the government's proposed changes to immigration rules, as a consultation on the reforms draws to a close.
Uncertainty Over Workforce Impact
The proposed immigration reforms aim to significantly extend the period required for individuals to gain indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from the current five years to potentially 10 or even 15 years, alongside introducing new eligibility criteria.
While doctors and nurses who are directly employed by the NHS will be exempt from these changes, the reforms will affect staff working in social care and private healthcare sectors, including those handling NHS-contracted cases.
Criticism from Labour and Trade Bodies
Labour MPs and prominent trade organisations including the Royal College of Nursing and Unison have strongly criticised the proposed plans, warning they represent a "grave error" that could create damaging divisions within the NHS workforce.
Critics have highlighted that the Department for Health and Social Care has not conducted a formal impact assessment, despite growing concerns that thousands of international health and care workers could be driven away from the UK.
Amidst Existing Staff Shortages
These concerns come at a time when the NHS is already grappling with significant staff shortages across multiple sectors, raising fears that the immigration changes could exacerbate existing workforce challenges.
The lack of clarity about how many workers will be affected has added to the uncertainty surrounding the potential consequences of these proposed immigration reforms for the healthcare system.
