Responding to Reform’s announcement on ending indefinite leave to remain, BMA Council chair Dr Tom Dolphin said:

“This announcement will cause a great deal of anxiety and distress to our much-needed and valued international workforce, including international doctors, who are the backbone of the health services in the UK and who the population owes so much to.

It is outrageous that these staff, who have been given the right to stay in the UK indefinitely, and who have been contributing to the NHS, the economy and their communities, now face the uncertainty of not knowing if this will be ripped away from them. Many more will also be working their way towards this – and now they are looking at that goalpost disappearing before their very eyes.

“With huge workforce shortages, the NHS relies on international staff at all levels. Even with a new five-year visa, these plans send completely the wrong message to those considering coming to the UK to offer their skills to our health services and patients. At a time when we ourselves are haemorrhaging doctors overseas, this policy would make Britain an even less attractive place to practise medicine. We need stability and long-term planning to safely maintain our healthcare workforce, and policies like this that ignore realities in the NHS will destabilise things further, putting patients at risk.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.