How the Home Office really treats our NHS heroes

The UK immigration system has never been smooth to navigate. The Home Office is infamous for its extortionate fees and interminably long wait times. Under the disruption of COVID-19, the slowdown in operations (including a lack of appointments, delayed processing times and the suspension of priority services) has made life unbearable for many people who rely on a visa to live in the UK. Tilly is a 39-year-old NHS surgical assistant who lives with her husband and three children. She has called the UK home for 20 years, and has worked for the NHS as a surgical assistant for the past three years. She’s been working relentlessly throughout the pandemic. Yet, from the way she is being treated by the UK visas and immigration system, her loyalty to the NHS has not been reciprocated. Originally from Ghana, Tilly and her whole family rely on a family visa to stay in the UK. As her husband is completing a masters, Tilly is currently the sole breadwinner for her family. The cost of a family visa renewal is £6,200. Tilly is on a salary of £21,000. As she explains: “When the pandemic was first beginning, the government gave an opportunity for a one-year visa extension to NHS staff. I thought I fell into that category, but it turns out if you’re not qualified or registered, then you’re not a part of it. Even though I’ve been working in the NHS for three years, I’m not qualified. “We put all the money we had into covering the visa fee. We had to turn to friends and family to...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article Behind the headlines Magazine Covid-19 Home Office migrant workers NHS NHS surcharge visa Source Type: news