After intense criticism for failing to scrap the Immigration Health Surcharge, the government eventually did a U-turn. The Prime Minister’s had appeared steadfast in his belief that it was right to charge overseas national NHS workers an extra £400 per year to use the health service themselves.
Labour Leader Keir Starmer had drawn attention to the sacrifices made by migrants during the fight against COVID-19- and he tabled an amendment to the Immigration Bill seeking to exempt NHS workers from the NHS surcharge. However, there were no signs that the government would change its position. With even members of the Conservative party vocally opposed to the charge, the U-turn was taken 24 hours after the government said it had ‘no plans’ to alter its position.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said he instructed the Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the Home Secretary Priti Patel to remove health and care workers from the fee in a departure from the Prime Minister’s previous comments that the £900m it raises annually is vital in funding the NHS.
This move was welcomed by the Labour Party, who said:
‘Scrapping the charge for foreign health and care workers to use the NHS is the right thing to do. We are glad that the Government listened to thousands of people who stood by carers.’
The surcharge was introduced in 2015 to combat illegal immigration and so-called health tourism. Particularly during the COVID-19 era, it has been criticised as it penalises migrant NHS workers for using the very service they keep running.
Scarsdale Immigration Solicitors
Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester, Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham and Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale are constantly monitoring the evolving Coronavirus COVID19 situation and following all the recommended guidance and advice that is issued by the UK Government, NHS and Public Health England. Our Manchester Immigration solicitors, Oldham immigration solicitors and Rochdale immigration solicitors clients can be rest assured that we remain open for business to support you and your family at this time.
