To alleviate the pressures placed on the NHS due to Covid 19, on 31 March 2020 the Home Office made an announcement that around 2800 migrant doctors, nurses and paramedics are to have their visas automatically extended free of charge for 1 year. They will also not have to pay the IHS Surcharge fee.

In addition, the Home Office have also introduced the following policy changes:

• Student nurses and doctors are no longer restricted in the amount of hours they are permitted to work each week
• Overseas pre-registered nurses are to be allowed more time to pass the required exam

The above changes will no doubt be welcomed by the NHS.