Election 2019 Boris promises NHS visas for overseas doctors as Patel unveils points-based immigration system

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BORIS Johnson has promised a fast track NHS visa for overseas doctors under new immigration plans to solve the health services staff crisis.

The PM will announce the blockbuster plans as he visits a hospital in the east Midlands this morning on a whistle-stop campaign tour of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Boris Johnson will promise a fast track NHS visa for overseas doctors under new immigration plans to solve the health services staff crisis.

TORY GLORY

Under the new scheme medical staff hoping to work in the UK will have their application whizzed through in just two weeks with the visa fee half the normal price.

The proposals are part of Boris blueprint for an Australian points-based immigration system after Brexit and was made to tackle concerns the NHS could struggle to attract staff.

Today Priti Patel will tell voters that Labours uncontrolled and unlimited migration will put greater pressure on Britains schools and hospitals, The Daily Mail reports.

She will say: The choice at this election is clear. Vote Jeremy Corbyn if you want to delay Brexit, get another deadlocked Parliament and two more chaotic referendums, with uncontrolled and unlimited immigration placing pressure on our schools and hospitals.

Or vote Boris Johnson and the Conservatives to get Brexit done, get immigration under control with a Australian-style based points system and get on with investing in our NHS, our schools and our police.

Under the scheme, the cost of a visa for health professionals would be halved from 928 to 464, while applicants would be guaranteed a decision within two weeks.

FAST-TRACK NHS VISA

Applicants coming to work in the NHS would receive preferential treatment with extra points under the points-based system, and no cap on numbers entering through the NHS route.

They would also be able to pay back the cost of the immigration health surcharge through their salary if the charge is not already covered by the NHS trust offering the job.

Unlike Labour, the Tories have vowed to ditch freedom of movement once and for all.

The Home Secretary told the partys conference last month that the move would allow Britain to take back control of our borders.

Ms Patel said the new points-based system will allow Brits to benefit from the best of both worlds.

She said: “These measures are part of our plan for an Australian-style points-based immigration system that allows us to control numbers while remaining open to vital professions like nurses.

“That means the best of both worlds – attracting talent from around the world so our NHS continues to provide brilliant service while ensuring that it isn’t put under strain by opening Britain’s borders to the entire world.”

The Tories said they want to launch the scheme before the points-based system comes in in 2021.

They have already announced a fast-track visa route to attract specialists in science, engineering and technology.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he wanted to attract “the very best talent in the world” to come to work in the NHS.

“From its inception, the NHS has recruited globally,” he said.

Priti Patel has said the proposed immigration system will allow Britain to control number while remaining open to vital professions like nurses

Priti Patel has said the proposed immigration system will allow Britain to ‘control numbers while remaining open to vital professions like nurses’