Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns has welcomed the news that free visa extensions will be automatically granted to more crucial overseas health and care workers.
Frontline workers, including midwives, radiographers, social workers and pharmacists, with visas due to expire before 1 October 2020 will receive an automatic one-year extension. It will apply to those working both in the NHS and independent sector and include their family members.
These extensions will be automatic, free and include exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. In total approximately 3,000 vital health and care workers and their families across the UK will benefit from the extension.
Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, said:
“I am immensely grateful to all health and care workers who are fighting this invisible enemy, and I’m pleased that we’ve provided this immediate support to overseas health workers and their families as a small sign of our gratitude.
“I am pleased that this move not only recognises the huge debt of gratitude we owe these heroes but places our NHS in a stronger position to defeat COVID-19.”
The announcement builds on the Home Secretary’s announcement last month for NHS doctors, nurses and paramedics. All will be exempt for the Immigration Health Surcharge for the duration of the exemption.
The extension comes into effect immediately and is for all visas expiring between 31 March and 1 October 2020. Those benefitting from this extension will be identified by health and care employers across the UK. Any NHS workers who have paid for an unresolved application will be offered the option of a refund.
The Home Secretary has also confirmed family members and dependents of healthcare workers who sadly pass away as result of contracting COVID-19 will be offered immediate indefinite leave to remain.
Alicia Kearns MP continues to support local residents and businesses during the ongoing crisis and encourages any resident who need to support to get in touch.
