Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to ensure that the number of (a) NHS and (b) care workers recruited from (i) EEA and (ii) non-EEA countries is adequate for (A) current requirements and (B) requirements in the short term.

In December 2018, the Government set out its proposals in “the UK’s future Skills-based Immigration System” White Paper. The White Paper proposals include a new route for skilled workers which will be open to anyone at RQF level 3 and above, irrespective of where they are applying from. This route will not be capped allowing all of those who meet our requirements to come to the UK.

The White Paper also includes a transitional route for temporary workers which will be open to anyone from qualifying countries, wishing to fill positions at any skill level, for up to 12 months. We do not intend to impose a cap on the number of people wishing to use the route.