Nurses to remain on the UK Shortage Occupation List
Good news for South African nurses wanting to work in the UK is that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reluctantly advised the UK Government to keep the Occupation of Nurses on the UK Government’s Shortage Occupation List.
Nurses were added to the Shortage Occupation List on an interim basis in October 2015, to ensure that there was sufficient nursing staff across the NHS over the Winter period. The MAC was commissioned by the UK Government to review whether there is still a shortage of nurses or specific nursing jobs which should be filled by non-EEA migrants. They have now subsequently advised the UK Government that the occupation of nurses should remain on the Shortage Occupation List.
Evidence from the UK Health Sector suggested that it will be another three years before there are enough UK-born nurses to meet the demand. The MAC criticised the UK Health Sector for failing to maintain a sufficient supply of UK nurses.
The UK Government accepted all the proposals by MAC. Henceforth, there will also be a maximum annual cap of 5,000 places for nurses under Tier 2, with the limit reducing gradually over the next three years. UK employers wishing to recruit a non-EEA nurse will also be required to complete a Resident Labour Market Test, despite the occupation being on the Shortage Occupation List.
What is the implication of nurses remaining on the UK Shortage Occupation List?
With the occupation of nurses remaining on the UK Shortage Occupation List, it is possible for non-EU citizens, and thus South African nurses, to apply for nursing positions in the UK. The UK employer will then be able to apply for a Tier 2 visa for the employee.
Usually, when an occupation is on the UK Shortage Occupation List, the UK employer does not need to conduct the Resident Labour Market Test. With the newly announced rules, the UK employer will, however, have to complete the Resident Labour Market Test, before being able to appoint a non-EEA nurse.
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants have a dedicated team of registered Immigration Consultants in our Tier 2 Work Permit Department. Employee, or employer – we can assist from A – Z with the Tier 2 Process. Contact us today for advice regarding your unique circumstances.
www.bic-immigration.com or info@bic-immigration.com
