An A&E doctor from overseas, with a decade of experience in the UK, expressed strong disapproval of Nigel Farage’s proposal to eliminate indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Dr. Jinnie Shin, aged 44 and originally from Boston, USA, shared her concerns over the potential threat of being required to leave the UK if Farage’s controversial plan is implemented. Shin, who transitioned from biomedical science to medicine and relocated to the UK in 2015 to join the esteemed NHS, currently holds a Tier 2 skilled worker visa and aims to apply for ILR in the near future.
Farage’s recent announcement, outlining the intention to abolish ILR if Reform UK gains power, has sparked alarm among many, including unions representing NHS and care workers who emphasize the vital role played by overseas staff in sustaining the NHS.
Residing in East Hertfordshire with her European partner, Shin criticized Reform UK’s policy, feeling unwelcome in a country she has called home for the past decade. She highlighted the significant contribution of International Medical Graduate (IMG) doctors in the NHS, emphasizing their importance in the healthcare system’s functionality.
Pointing out that 36% of NHS doctors were non-UK nationals last year, Shin warned of the detrimental impact on the health service if these essential workers were compelled to leave due to the removal of ILR eligibility. She raised concerns about the strain this would put on an already understaffed NHS, potentially leading to a collapse of the healthcare system.
In response to the proposed changes, a Reform UK spokesperson clarified that existing ILR holders would be eligible to apply for a renewable five-year visa under their revised immigration plans. Additionally, they mentioned the issuance of Acute Skills Shortage Visas (ASSV) for critical roles facing severe workforce shortages, such as within the NHS.
Shin also stressed her training within the NHS and the loss that British taxpayers would incur if she were forced to depart. Expressing hope that the notion of revoking ILR from individuals like herself is too far-fetched to materialize, she remains cautiously optimistic about the future.