Coronavirus: Thousands of foreign NHS workers to have UK visas extended for one year

NHS doctors, nurses and paramedics will have their work visas automatically extended for a year free of charge so they can “focus on fighting coronavirus”.

The measure announced by the home secretary Priti Patel will apply to around 2,800 medical staff whose permits expire before 1 October.

It also extends to their family members as well, to give frontline NHS workers “peace of mind”, the Home Office said.

Restriction on the amount of hours student nurses and doctors can work in the NHS has also been lifted.

Meanwhile pre-registered overseas nurses drafted in to help with the surge in patients are being given more time to pass their exams.

“Doctors, nurses and paramedics from all over the world are playing a leading role in the NHS’s efforts to tackle coronavirus and save lives,” said the home secretary.

“We owe them a great deal of gratitude for all that they do.

“I don’t want them distracted by the visa process. That is why I have automatically extended their visas – free of charge – for a further year.”

Officials confirmed the visa extension will be exempt from the immigration health surcharge.

Trainee doctors and nurses will also not be limited by the number of hours they can work in the NHS during term time.

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