§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will assess the benefits of introducing a fast-track procedure at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for processing applications from non-EU foreign nationals for leave to remain in the UK when they are medically qualified people filling a vacancy for a doctor or nurse within the NHS. [135531]
§ Mrs. RocheFrom 2 May, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and the Department for Education and Employment have revised procedures for handling all614W applications for leave to remain for the purpose of employment including those from medically qualified persons seeking employment within the NHS. This has enabled such applications to be completed within 2–3 weeks instead of three months or longer.