International Doctors: Visas — [Graham Stringer in the Chair]

Highlights the need to balance immigration control with facilitating visas for highly skilled doctors, citing 6,613 vacancies in Northern Ireland's healthcare system. Emphasises the urgent requirement to address GP shortages and proposes special dispensation for trainee GPs. Asked if the criteria used should give greater weight to skills over potential earnings. He mentioned an event discussing how Ukrainians with medical skills could help the NHS, suggesting that there are Ukrainians in the UK who have such skills and could be utilised.

The Solicitor General acknowledged that the visa process for trainee GPs is stressful and agreed with the need to increase all routes for doctors coming to work in the UK.

The difficulties around trainee GP visas force many International Medical Graduates to take on other roles or leave the NHS, some even returning home. Asks if the hon. Member for Boston and Skegness shares concerns about the Home Office backlog impacting international medical graduates.

During a visit to Jordan, Pauline highlighted that Germany is attracting doctors and medical students from Jordan and Syrian refugees, suggesting the UK should consider opening more visa routes for such individuals to address NHS workforce pressures.

He outlined Labour's stance on the points-based immigration system for migrant workers, emphasizing the need to support the NHS by reviewing visa difficulties faced by international medical graduates (IMGs). He highlighted that 30% of IMG trainees consider not working as an NHS GP due to visa red tape. The speaker also mentioned the loss of newly qualified GPs and the impact on patient care, noting a shortfall of 4,700 GPs over the last decade. Asked if people studying to become GPs should receive exceptional treatment due to their commitment, and questioned whether it is a waste of taxpayers' money when international medical graduates leave the system because of visa issues.

Acknowledging the importance of the topic, Steve noted that while more recruits are needed at the top, there is also a challenge with retention and pension pots impacting this issue. Suggested that primary care networks or new integrated care boards could act as an umbrella sponsor, reducing bureaucracy for practices. Asked if the Opposition would introduce direct management of lists back into the GP contract from when it is next renegotiated to achieve continuity of care. Called for an independent health workforce assessment supported by the Treasury to better understand the needs of the NHS beyond what can be afforded, suggesting it could lead to a better solution.

Recognised the significant contribution of non-UK nationals to the NHS, particularly in GP practice. Highlighted that 47% of new GP trainees were international medical graduates and expressed concern over high vacancy rates and challenges in recruitment and retention. Noted the bureaucratic hurdles faced by IMGs due to visa requirements and the financial burden on GP practices becoming tier 2 sponsors. Raised concerns about poor treatment and conditions for international doctors in private hospitals, including extreme working hours and unfair salary deductions. Suggested extending the grace period for international medical graduates to find jobs after finishing their training, as there is severe pressure between completing training and securing employment.