Boost for UK health and care sectors as frontline workers granted free visa extensions

Thousands of frontline health workers across the UK will be granted free visa extensions according to the government.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced today (April 9) that the Home Office has extended the visas of over 10,000 people across the country.

Workers such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, midwives, occupational therapists and psychologists will be able to stay in the UK for an additional year in a bid to tackle the pandemic.

Home Secretary Priti Patel commented: “The dedication and skill of overseas health and care workers who are leading the UK’s fight against coronavirus is truly extraordinary.

“Thousands of them have helped save countless lives throughout this pandemic and are now playing a vital part in the hugely successful vaccination rollout.

“Our offer of free visa extensions shows how our country values the contributions of these heroes.”

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock added: “Our overseas health and care workers make such a vital contribution to our health system and have been a key part of the fight against the pandemic. They are protecting our loved ones and vaccinating the public so that we can save lives and return to normality.

“To help those staff from overseas, we are extending their visas to provide security while they continue to tackle this virus.

“This extension will cover healthcare professionals working in the NHS and the independent health and care sector. Their visas will be extended for a year, free of all fees and charges, including the Immigration Health Surcharge.”