Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Jupp Excerpts

Tuesday 10th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (Con)]

6. What steps he is taking with the Home Secretary to fast-track immigration applications from doctors and nurses who want to work in the NHS.

[Simon Jupp (East Devon) (Con)]

9. What steps he is taking with the Home Secretary to fast-track immigration applications from doctors and nurses who want to work in the NHS.

--- Later in debate ---

[Helen Whately]

Yes, I can absolutely give my hon. Friend that assurance. The NHS visa will be available for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals coming to work in the NHS across the whole United Kingdom.

[Simon Jupp]

As we all know, nurses, midwives, paramedics and physiotherapists are highly skilled roles, and the Government have been clear that they meet the immigration skills threshold. What steps is the Department taking to dispel the level of fake news on the subject, and to encourage the brightest and best from around the world to apply for these important roles?

[Helen Whately]

The salary threshold for people coming to work in the NHS in the roles that my hon. Friend mentioned are linked to NHS pay bands, and applicants will have more than enough points to apply under the new immigration system. We are working with NHS employers to encourage international applicants. I thank my hon. Friend for giving me the opportunity once again to dispel any myths in this area.