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Health Professions: Migrant Workers

Asked by Melanie OnnLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 19 December 2025UIN 98818

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of alterations to indefinite leave to remain rules on NHS staffing levels.

Answered by Karin Smyth

There have been no recent alterations to indefinite leave to remain rules. However, the Government has launched a consultation on proposals to reform the current settlement rules in favour of an “earned settlement” model, that considers factors such as contribution, integration, and conduct. The consultation, which runs until February 2026, seeks views on how these reforms should apply to different groups, including health and care workers. The consultation is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/earned-settlement

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