Visas for thousands of crucial doctors, nurses and paramedics extended until the end of the year, Priti Patel announces

VISAS for overseas doctors, nurses and paramedics will be extended for an extra year, Priti Patel announced today.

Anyone whose documents were meant to expire before 1 October 2020 will now get an extra 12 months added to their stay for free so they can continue their brave fight against coronavirus

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International student nurses and doctors will be allowed to work extra hours too to help the NHS cope with the virus outbreak, the Home Office said.

And overseas nurses given more time to pass their skills equivalency tests.

It will apply to around 2,800 migrant doctors, nurses and paramedics, employed by the NHS at the moment and doing vital work to protect the country and save lives.

It will give them the peace of mind they need to focus on saving lives rather than worrying about their paperwork.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said today: “Doctors, nurses and paramedics from all over the world are playing a leading role in the NHS’s efforts to tackle coronavirus and save lives. We owe them a great deal of gratitude for all that they do.

“I don’t want them distracted by the visa process.

“That is why I have automatically extended their visas – free of charge – for a further year.

The extension to NHS visas will be automatic, there will be no fee attached and it will be exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge too.

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The news comes as experts warned Brits not to do CPR during the outbreak as the risks of catching coronavirus were too high.

And some patients having heart attacks are actually avoiding A&E even though they really need it, due to concerns over catching the killer bug.

A new study also showed that the risk of catching it is higher if you’re over 50 – which is younger than previously thought.

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