Home Secretary doesn’t rule out citizenship for foreign key workers
The Home Secretary has hinted that key workers from abroad could be given citizenship in thanks for saving lives during the coronavirus crisis.
Priti Patel said immigration rules were ‘under review’ when asked by Metro.co.uk if foreign workers in the NHS and social care could be made eligible for citizenship.
Speaking at the coronavirus briefing this evening, she said legislation would be needed for that to take place, but did not rule it out.
Ms Patel explained: ‘I have said from day one actually, the last time that I was here on this podium, that we keep all our immigration measures under review, given these unprecedented times and challenges. I’m also going to say primarily because I did introduce the Immigration and Social Security Bill in the House of Commons this week as well, which is all about bringing a points-based system.
‘Our immigration system is incredibly complex and I think this crisis has demonstrated that and shown the extent of that complexity.’
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She did not directly answer whether offering NHS and social care ‘heroes’ citizenship would be better thanks than weekly claps.
But, Ms Patel said: ‘You’ve mentioned citizenship and changes that we could bring in.
‘That would need legislation going forward but as I said we keep everything under review.’
Yesterday, Boris Johnson announced an end to a surcharge for foreign NHS workers to use the health system, in an apparent U-turn.
That means the £400-a-year fee will no longer apply to NHS staff from abroad who need to use the health service.
And in April, the Government said that foreigners could extend their visas if they cannot leave because of coronavirus restrictions or self isolation – in an attempt to keep those working in ‘vital services’ in the country during the crisis.
Yesterday Ms Patel described those working in the NHS and social care as ‘heroes’.
But tonight she declined to offer those foreign born workers more rights, as she announced quarantine restrictions for arrivals to the UK.
She was also asked if it was ‘inevitable’ that there would be social distancing issues after the Government eased the lockdown and told the public they could go anywhere and sunbathe.
Ms Patel praised the British public’s response despite pictures this week showing thousands descending on beaches in scenes that alarmed many.
Ahead of a sunny bank holiday weekend and the start of half term, Ms Patel said: ‘I think the fact of the matter is the British public have been incredible, absolutely incredible, both in terms of their resilience but also the way in which they have naturally continued to comply with social distancing, with Government guidelines, followed the advice, followed the health advice, continued on the hygiene advice as well.
‘I think it’s absolutely vital and important that we continue to do that.’
She continued: ‘It is inevitable that obviously the public will be out and about a lot more, but of course our message is clear for the public.
‘Yes, enjoy being outdoors, we have encouraged people to go out, but we have put a very clear caveat around that, and this is all conditional.’
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