Overview

This bill grants indefinite leave to remain in the UK to health and social care staff and their close family members. It aims to address workforce shortages in these vital sectors by providing a pathway to permanent residency for eligible individuals already working in these roles.

Description

The Immigration (Health and Social Care Staff) Bill provides indefinite leave to remain in the UK to eligible persons. An "eligible person" is defined as someone who, on the day the Act comes into force, works in a health or social care occupation listed in the Schedule, or is a close family member (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or child under 18) of someone who does.

Eligible Occupations:

The Schedule to the Bill lists specific occupations under the UK Standard Occupational Classification 2020, ranging from medical practitioners and nurses to care workers and porters. The Secretary of State has the power to add further occupations via regulations, which require approval from both Houses of Parliament.

Family Members:

The definition of "close family member" can also be expanded by the Secretary of State through regulations, subject to parliamentary approval.

Issuing Documentation:

The bill mandates that the Secretary of State issue physical proof of indefinite leave to remain to eligible persons upon request, free of charge.

Geographic Scope and Commencement:

The Act applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into force on the day it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any increases or decreases in government spending. However, the cost of processing applications and issuing documentation is likely to be incurred by the government. No figures were provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

The bill directly impacts:

• Health and social care staff: Granted indefinite leave to remain, improving job security and potentially attracting more workers to these sectors.
• Close family members of health and social care staff: Also granted indefinite leave to remain, facilitating family reunification and reducing potential disruptions to family life.
• UK Government: Responsible for administering the Act, including processing applications and issuing documentation. Potentially increased administrative costs will be incurred.

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