Immigration crackdown risks worsening NHS and care staff shortages, leaders warn

Health and social care organisations have expressed “deep concerns” that government plans to cut immigration by tightening up visa rules could worsen NHS and care staff shortages and make life harder for those already working in the UK.This week, the Home Office announced that it would slash migration and “curb abuse of the immigration system” with a five point plan that includes tightening the rules to prevent overseas care workers bringing dependants to the UK.1 In the year ending September 2023, 101 000 health and care visas were issued to care workers, with an estimated 120 000 visas granted to associated dependants, a statement said. A Home Office spokesperson confirmed to The BMJ that this number included dependants of all ages.From spring 2024, the earning threshold for overseas workers coming to the UK will also increase by about half, from £26 200 to £38 700. Those coming through the health…
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