The UK's healthcare sector is facing a significant setback as the tightening of visa rules has led to a massive drop in applications from healthcare workers, along with their family dependants. This development comes amid concerns about the deportation of Indian healthcare workers who are unable to find new jobs that comply with visa regulations.
The latest figures from the UK Home Office reveal a staggering 76% decrease in healthcare worker visa applications and a 58% drop in family dependants compared to the previous year. Indian nationals, who topped the list of health and care visa grants in 2023, are particularly affected by these changes.
Many Indian healthcare workers in the UK are now in a precarious situation, facing the prospect of deportation despite having families in the country. Some workers allege that they were misled into accepting jobs that either did not exist or offered wages below the minimum requirement.
Organizations like the National Council of Gujarati Organisations (NCGO) are advocating for these stranded workers, urging the government to intervene. An online petition, supported by nearly 10,000 signatures, calls on the government to address the plight of these workers and their families.
The UK government, while acknowledging the problem, maintains that the new visa rules are necessary to control immigration and protect British workers. However, critics argue that these measures could undermine the UK's reputation as a welcoming destination for international students and skilled professionals.
As the government faces pressure to respond to these concerns, the fate of thousands of healthcare workers hangs in the balance, highlighting the complex challenges surrounding immigration policy and its impact on essential services like healthcare.
