The UK Government has announced that doctors and nurses are to be taken out of Tier 2 visa cap.
Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences said:
"The exemption of NHS workers from the Tier 2 visa cap is an extremely welcome announcement. This not only eases the current pressures of filling NHS vacancies but crucially signals real recognition of the value of all skilled workers, such as researchers, to the UK.
"We must welcome international doctors and nurses with open arms, allowing the UK to become their home and a place where they feel supported to do their jobs which the health of our nation so relies on. We need to also make it clear to other skilled migrants that the UK is welcoming and supportive. I am delighted that there will now be more essential spaces within Tier 2 for researchers across the globe to enter the UK.
"I am hopeful that this positive change will be borne out into a future immigration system that is fast, efficient and transparent and above all, supportive of research and innovation."