The RCP has responded to the announcement that health and care staff can now claim reimbursement for the immigration health surcharge.
Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said: “After months of calling for the International Health Surcharge to be scrapped for overseas NHS and social care workers, we’re pleased to see the introduction of the reimbursement scheme.
“We cannot underestimate the sheer amount of work and support our international NHS and social care staff have provided throughout the pandemic – we simply could not have coped without them. They deserve to be truly recognised for their vital contribution.
“The reimbursement scheme is a great step but it is imperative that the list of those eligible for a health and care visa is extended to include all social care staff. All international staff and their families who worked during the pandemic should also be granted indefinite leave to remain.”