UK IS ROLLING OUT FAST-TRACK VISA FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

LONDON: Faced with a severe staff shortage, Britain is rolling out a fast-track visa from August for doctors, nurses and health care professionals from non-european Union countries, including India, with a reduced application fee compared to visas for other skilled workers.

They will be exempted from the immigration health surcharge that is payable at the time of the visa application. The new ‘health and care visa’ will be processed within three weeks.

Under the new arrangement developed by UK home secretary Priti Patel and health secretary Matt Hancock, international medical and care professionals who are already in the country will have their immigration health surcharge reimbursed if paid on or after March 31.

The contributions of India and other international medical staff had been highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic.

Many contracted the infection while treating patients and passed away, adding to studies that suggest the virus’ disproportionately high impact on non-white people.

Patel said, “We are indebted to overseas health and care professionals for their tremendous contributions, not just in saving thousands of lives throughout this crisis, but for the vital role they play year-round.”