Overview

This bill grants indefinite leave to remain in the UK to health and social care workers and their close family members already in the UK on the day the bill becomes law. 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 individuals meeting specific criteria. These individuals must, on the day the Act comes into force, either work in a health or social care occupation or be a close family member (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or child under 18) of someone who does. "Health and social care occupations" are defined by a schedule listing specific Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC) codes from the UK Standard Occupational Classification 2020. The Secretary of State has the power, through regulations approved by both Houses of Parliament, to add further occupations to the schedule and broaden the definition of "close family member". No fee is charged for the documentation of this indefinite leave to remain. The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into force on the day it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill does not explicitly state the cost to the government. However, it is likely to involve administrative costs associated with processing applications and issuing documentation, although it specifies that these will be free of charge for applicants. There may also be indirect costs related to social support, health services etc. for the individuals granted leave.

Groups Affected

The bill directly affects:

• Individuals currently working in health and social care occupations (as defined by the bill's schedule) – they gain indefinite leave to remain.
• Close family members (as defined by the bill) of those working in health and social care occupations – they also gain indefinite leave to remain.
• The UK government – responsible for implementing the bill and managing associated costs.
• Employers in the health and social care sectors – may benefit from improved workforce stability.

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