Lifting of visa restrictions for nurses welcomed by Black Country MP

Nurses are to be added to the immigration Shortage Occupation List in order to allow the hiring of more staff from overseas, under the Government plans.

This means nurses from countries outside of Europe will have their visa applications prioritised.

Nurses will also be exempt from new restrictions which mean migrants from outside Europe must earn £35,000 or more if they are to be allowed to continue working in the UK after six years.

Stourbridge MP Margot James said: "I am very pleased that the Government has decided to add nursing to the Shortage Occupation List and exempt them from the proposed £35,000 earnings threshold.

"As we approach the winter months, it is vital we ensure that our hospitals can recruit any extra staff they need."

It comes a week after Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Russells Hall Hospital, said it was to recruit 60 new nurses.

Hospital bosses have previously gone overseas to help fill vacancies with more than 50 nurses taken on from countries including Spain, Portugal and Romania.

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust has also said it needs 110 new nurses.