Responding to the Government’s announcement of a new Health and Care Visa, David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, said:

“The covid19 pandemic has demonstrated the vital contribution migrant healthcare workers, including those in the independent sector, make in keeping the country safe. We are therefore pleased that the Government has recognised this and have rightly granted overseas healthcare staff who work in independent providers delivering NHS services exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, as well as a reduced visa fee.

“This is something IHPN have long been calling for and these measures announced today will play a significant role in ensuring all healthcare providers can recruit and retain the staff they need to deliver the best possible care for patients”.