§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Department's policy is on awarding United Kingdom work permits to health care professionals; and if he will make a statement. [151610]
§ Beverley Hughes[holding answer 29 January 2004]Work Permits are issued to workers from overseas to come to the UK to work in posts where certain published, specified criteria are met.
Healthcare professionals are treated in exactly the same way as other professionals in that they must qualify under these criteria. A number of healthcare posts appear on the Work Permits (UK) shortage occupation list. This allows employers to apply for permits for posts where there is a recognised shortage without the need to undertake a resident labour search.