Written question asked by Evan Harris (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 16 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 2004. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 12 July 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will reform the immigration procedures for doctors from overseas to enable those who wish to work and train in the UK to do so more quickly. - Including figures.

Answer: Dr. Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will reform the immigration procedures for doctors from overseas to enable those who wish to work and train in the UK to do so more quickly. [179811] Mr. Browne: There are currently no plans to change procedures specifically for the admission to the UK of overseas doctors. Doctors from outside the European economic area who wish to work in the UK normally require a work permit or permission to work through the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). All doctor posts are deemed in shortage which means Work Permit (UK) applies a simplified work permit application procedure for these posts. In the period April 2003 to March 2004 4,377 work permits were approved for a range of posts requiring doctors. The HSMP scheme is a points based scheme designed to allow individuals with exceptional personal skill and experience to come to or remain in the UK to seek and take up work. In the period April 2003 to March 2004 699 HSMP applications were approved for a range of posts requiring doctors. In addition, the immigration rules also make separate provision for postgraduate doctors to come to the United Kingdom to continue their training without requiring a work permit.

Secondary information