The core of the UK's healthcare system, NHS nurses, must make a difficult choice. Their desire to settle in Britain with their families is becoming more and more out of reach due to the new Home Office visa price rise, which is scheduled to go into effect on October 4. 

This action has drawn criticism from the British Medical Association, which described it as "self-defeating" and issued a warning that it would make the current NHS workforce crisis worse.

The increase in visa fees will affect a number of applicant groups, including workers, families, and students, with hikes ranging from 15% to a startling 35%. The cost will increase by 20% to 2,885 GBP for people applying for indefinite leave to reside in the UK.

NHS nurses and their families are under a great deal of stress as a result of this significant increase in visa expenses. As a result, many are now thinking about job offers from Canada and the US. For these healthcare workers, moving permanently to the UK can be expensive because of the fee hike because it can cost as much as $15,000.

One nurse in Birmingham said, "Because of the cost, my blood pressure is going up a little bit each day; honestly, every single day I think about it." She also said that the fee increase has put a financial strain on her. She has work offers from the US and Canada, both of which have much less expensive living expenses for her and her kids.

A second nurse, this one from Sussex, expressed a similar opinion, saying, "We came to the country to contribute skills, knowledge, and hard work in exchange for a decent life; but instead, we feel that we are extorted." Many of her coworkers are searching for chances abroad as well, especially in nations with higher earnings and more lenient laws for migrant labour.

Even recently graduated medical students and GP residents are reevaluating their options. Some people are considering switching to locum jobs because they pay more, yet doing so would undermine the stability of the healthcare system.

Concerns Raised by Healthcare Professionals

Concerns regarding the effects of these hikes in visa fees on the healthcare system have been voiced by the British Medical Association. "Trying to push the cost of failure to manage public services onto people coming to work in our health system is self-defeating and short-sighted," Dr Kitty Mohan, Chairperson of the BMA International Committee, said.

A union for nurses, Unison, expressed its concerns as well, saying that more foreign workers leaving the NHS would result in higher visa costs. It was emphasised by Sara Gorton, Head of Health at Unison, that this action would be devastating for patient care and put more strain on already overworked NHS trusts.

FAQS

Why are NHS nurses looking at employment opportunities in Canada and the US?

Due to the recent increase in UK Home Office visa fees, NHS nurses are considering employment offers in Canada and the US. It has become more expensive for them to settle in the UK with their families as a result of the increase in visa fees.

Does the increase in visa fees also apply to other healthcare professionals?

Yes, other healthcare professionals, such as recently graduated doctors and GP trainees, are also impacted by the fee hike in addition to nurses. Some people are thinking about finding alternate employment alternatives, like higher-paying locum jobs.