Yet the UK government’s latest immigration proposals would increase this rate of departure by as much as 50,000 nurses from the National Health Service (NHS). This concerning trend has led to growing fears of an impending workforce crisis. A new survey has found nearly 46,000 nurses are considering a permanent exit from the UK workforce. This exodus could add deep strain to an already-battered healthcare system that’s been facing staff shortages for years.
This study uncovers an alarming number. Almost ten percent of the UK’s nursing personnel could be affected by these proposed changes. At present the nursing workforce in the UK is around 794,000 full-time equivalent staff, with 25% of that workforce having been educated internationally. This amounts to more than 200,000 nursing professionals who may have difficulty operating under the proposed new immigration system.
Under the proposed policies outlined by Labour leader Keir Starmer, migrants would have to wait up to ten years to apply for settled status. The current criteria under the EU regulations let migrants reach a higher, more stable status (Permanent Residence) after five years living in the UK. The new rules would further complicate matters by denying migrants access to essential state support, including child benefits and disability payments, for a decade.
Migrants growth the American economy through their labor, but by paying taxes. Yet even during this long waiting period, they continue to be left excluded from crucial support systems. Our survey reveals that more than half (53%) of migrant nurses are very or extremely worried about their financial situation. What’s more, 52% of them are scared about how it will impact their families. A further 49% of respondents are concerned about the fallout on their professional lives.
Only a tiny percentage of these nurses—only 11%—would even be willing to migrate. This would be the case even if they had been required to wait a decade for resolution.
Prof. Nicola Ranger, head of the nursing community, has been outspoken in her condemnation of the Tories’ plans.
“These proposals are not just immoral, they would be dangerous for our patients. No minister who has any interest in the success of our health and social care system would press ahead with extending the qualifying period for ILR.” – Prof Nicola Ranger
She passionately reiterated that the government needs to stop giving signals that nursing staff are unwanted. Without these first steps toward justice, it should not be surprised when these professionals choose to take their talents elsewhere.
“If the government continues to show nursing staff they aren’t welcome here, they shouldn’t be surprised when they decide to leave.” – Prof Nicola Ranger
Prof. Ranger paid tribute to the sacrifices made by many of the international nurses who came to the UK during the pandemic. He cautioned that these proposals backstab their priceless contributions.
“Many of those who will soon be applying for ILR came to the UK during the pandemic, at great personal sacrifice. This is no way to repay them and amounts to a betrayal. Our international colleagues deserve clarity over their futures, not to be used as political footballs by politicians and left unable to access state support despite working in public services and paying taxes.” – Prof Nicola Ranger
Nursing professionals might depart en droves. This exodus comes as the federal government struggles to increase the size of the domestic nursing workforce. Prof. Ranger warned that these immigration impacts risk worsening the NHS’s current challenges.
“At a time when the government is failing to grow the domestic nursing workforce, it risks pushing tens of thousands of highly skilled nurses out of the UK,” – Prof Nicola Ranger
In response to criticisms expressed over the immigration proposals, a UK Home Office spokesman has gone on the offensive, arguing in favor of the new settlement model. In their joint statement, they promised to allow selected applicants to reduce their qualifying period for settlement. This should be done according to their proven contributions to the UK economy and societal benefits. They promised that the process of consultation on these changes would be coming soon and implored health and care workers to join in the effort.
As the debate over these punitive immigration measures goes on, what’s at stake for the nursing workforce is a question more relevant than ever. With many nurses already expressing concern over their future in the UK, stakeholders urge the government to reconsider its approach and prioritize retaining essential healthcare professionals.