UK Introduces Health and Care Visa for Healthcare Professionals

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For healthcare professionals who have been longing for the privilege to traveling to the United Kingdom, this is a golden opportunity as the government of the United Kingdom has just unveiled a special Visa called the Health and Care Visa.

The new Health and Care Visa, according to the UK government will make it cheaper, quicker and easier for healthcare practitioners across the globe to go over to the UK.

Information on the website of the UK government says the goal of the initiative is to ensure UK health and care services have access to the best global talents.

Pharmanewsonline reports that this development may not be unconnected with the present global pandemic as the United Kingdom has recorded a total of 296, 381 confirmed cases of the deadly infection with 45,501 deaths, out of the global infection tally of 15,012,731 with 619,150 fatalities as at 23 July, 2020.

The newly released situation update of the World Health Organisation, WHO, shows that the UK has 560 confirmed new infections.

The UK Health and Care Visa initiative was put together by the Home Secretary, Health and Social Care Secretary to demonstrate the government’s commitment to deliver for the NHS and wider health and care sector.

They noted that the new Health and Care Visa will come with a reduced visa application fee compared to that paid by other skilled workers, including exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Health and care professionals applying on this route can also expect a decision on whether they can work in the UK within just three weeks, following biometric enrolment.

Speaking on the Health and Care Visa, the UK’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock said: “Our health and care system has always had a proud tradition of welcoming overseas staff to work, train and live in the UK, and I’m proud that the NHS is a destination of choice for talented people from around the world.

“The unwavering commitment, skill and compassion staff have shown during the fight against this deadly virus is nothing short of phenomenal, and the reimbursement of the immigration health surcharge recognises the enormous contribution of those who have come to the UK to work in health and social care.

“I’m incredibly proud of our health and care workforce and look forward to welcoming new professionals from across the globe to continue the fantastic work to ensure our health system remains the best in the world.

“Right across the immigration system the Home Office is already supporting frontline healthcare staff through initiatives such as visa extensions and the creation of the bereavement scheme.

“The Prime Minister has previously announced that health and social care workers will be permanently exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge going forward, and Immigration Health Surcharge payments made since 31 March will also be refunded”, he stated.