Written question asked by Phyllis Starkey (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 November 2000. It was answered by Barbara Roche (Labour) on Thursday, 2 November 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will assess the benefits of introducing a fast-track procedure at Immigration Nationality Directive 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.

Answer: Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will assess the benefits of introducing a fast-track procedure at 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. Roche: From 2 May, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and the Department for Education and Employment have revised procedures for handling all 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 135531; 355 c613-4W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Asylum Applications Education Immigration Health professions Qualifications Migrant workers Refugees
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk