§ Hugh BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the maximum period of time is that nationals of sub-Saharan African countries are permitted to work in the NHS. [164761]
§ Mr. BrowneImmigration regulations do not place an upper limit on the amount of time that a non-EEA national may work in the NHS, provided relevant requirements of the Immigration Rules are met. NHS employers who wish to employ any non-EEA nationals in the UK may apply for a work permit for a maximum period of five years. A non-EEA national that completes four years in continuous work permit employment may qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.