Overview

This bill grants indefinite leave to remain in the UK to health and social care workers and their close family members already residing in the UK at the time the bill comes into force. It aims to address workforce shortages in these vital sectors.

Description

The Immigration (Health and Social Care Staff) Bill provides indefinite leave to remain to eligible persons. An "eligible person" is defined as someone working in a health or social care occupation listed in the Schedule (which includes numerous professions, from doctors and nurses to care workers and porters, based on the UK Standard Occupational Classification 2020) or a close family member (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or child under 18) of such a person, all on the day the Act comes into force.

The Secretary of State has the power to add related occupations to the Schedule and to extend the definition of "close family member" via regulations, subject to parliamentary approval.

The bill mandates the issuance of physical proof of indefinite leave to remain upon request, free of charge.

The Act applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into effect upon passage.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any government spending increases or decreases. The main financial impact would stem from the potential administrative costs associated with processing applications and issuing documentation. However, no fees are to be charged to eligible applicants.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Health and social care workers: Grants them indefinite leave to remain, improving job security and potentially encouraging more individuals to work in these sectors.
• Close family members of health and social care workers: Also grants them indefinite leave to remain, allowing families to stay together.
• The UK government: Responsible for administering the program, potentially incurring administrative costs.

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