London – | 01 April 2024 (Global Pro Group) – On 4 March 2021, the UK Home Office published a Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, announcing the addition of several health and care job roles to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). This update aims to make it easier for employers to hire overseas staff for these positions and provides a significant advantage for qualified individuals applying for a Skilled Worker visa.
The newly added roles include senior care workers, physiotherapists, and pharmacists, among others. This change is part of a broader effort to recognize the valuable contributions of migrant workers to the NHS and the UK’s health and social care sectors. By expanding the SOL, the Home Office seeks to facilitate access to top talent from around the globe for businesses and public services.
Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, Kevin Foster, remarked: “We welcome healthcare workers from around the world every year, many of whom have played a crucial role in the NHS during the recent pandemic. This latest change, along with our Health and Care Visa, will ensure that they receive the immigration status they deserve.”
What is the Shortage Occupation List?
The Shortage Occupation List identifies job roles where there is a significant shortage of suitable local labor, and where it is practical to fill these gaps with migrant workers. Occupations on this list benefit from more favorable immigration conditions, allowing employers to recruit skilled workers more efficiently. To qualify for inclusion on the list, an occupation must:
- Be skilled to the level specified by the government.
- Be in shortage, with demand exceeding supply.
- Be considered suitable for filling with migrant workers.
Occupations can be listed on the UK-wide SOL or on the SOLs specific to Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Which Health and Care Roles Are Now Included?
Following recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the Home Office has added eight health and care occupations to the UK-wide Shortage Occupation List. These are:
- Health services and public health managers and directors
- Residential, day, and domiciliary care managers and proprietors
- Pharmacists
- Health professionals not elsewhere classified (e.g., audiologists and dental hygiene therapists)
- Physiotherapists
- Laboratory technicians (including those outside the health and care sectors)
- Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
- Senior care workers
Impact on Applicants and Employers
Roles on the Shortage Occupation List offer individuals a competitive edge when applying for a Skilled Worker visa. This visa is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, requiring applicants to accumulate at least 70 points based on specific criteria:
- A confirmed job offer from an approved sponsor (20 points)
- The job is at an appropriate skill level (20 points)
- Proficiency in English (10 points)
- A role on the Shortage Occupation List (20 points)
Employers must pay at least £20,480 or 80% of the ‘going rate’ for the role, whichever is higher.
The Health and Care Visa
Employers hiring for health and care positions can benefit from the Health and Care visa, which offers a fast-tracked process and reduced fees. This visa allows medical professionals to work within the NHS, social care sector, or for an NHS-commissioned service provider. Applicants must meet all Skilled Worker visa requirements.
The Health and Care visa application fee is £232 for up to three years or £464 for more than three years. Applicants and their dependents are also exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. The Home Office aims to make decisions within three weeks of application submission.
Recruiting Skilled Workers from Overseas?
If you’re looking to hire skilled workers from abroad, consider which immigration route is most suitable, ensure compliance with immigration rules, and understand the associated costs. Global Pro Group LTD specializes in managing recruitment and immigration processes for various sectors. Contact us to learn how we can assist you and your organization.
Copyright @2024 Global Pro Group | All Rights Reserved