As a medical professional, you may have considered Relocating To The UK As A Medical Professional from Ghana to start a lucrative career. You wouldn’t be alone, as the country recorded a whopping 100, 000 foreign medical professionals working in 2023. With its high standard of living, access to housing, transportation, and education, it’s no wonder the UK is a favourite among expats seeking a better life. Moreover, healthcare is a lucrative and fair sector in the country, and the shortage of medical staff means that there are opportunities for foreign professionals to offer their services. However, there have been certain changes to the relocation process; for instance, people now ask questions such as “can i go with my family from March 2024 on the UK health and care visa?” If you aren’t sure what to do to secure your spot, this article is for you.
New reforms foreign medical professionals should be aware of
Before applying for a visa as a medical professional, you should familiarize yourself with the new reforms to determine if it aligns with your interests. Moreover, knowing the changes can help you go through the visa application processes seamlessly and increases your chance of being granted one. That said, here are the changes to look out for;
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No more dependents
As of the 11th of March, 2024, the health and care worker visa will no longer allow dependents (family members) to accompany a health worker into the country. This is a significant change, and you need to be aware of this if you intend to move your family to the UK with you. This new reform is a move by the government to reduce migration significantly and its negative effects. According to home secretary James Cleverly, only 23% of the estimated 120,000 dependents that accompany health workers are employed. This means that the remaining put pressure on the public services instead of contributing to economic growth.
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New minimum salary threshold
Another change to look out for is the minimum salary threshold. Effective in 2024, all skilled workers will experience an increase in their minimum salaries. Healthcare workers and other jobs paid by NHS bands will expect a jump from £20,960 to £23,200. However, professionals who need the general skilled worker visa will need a minimum salary but are under the NHS will need a minimum salary threshold of £38,700. It’s also important to note that only establishments registered by the CQC can sponsor workers who need the health and care visa.
While these are major changes, you should also look out for other reforms to help you navigate your visa application processes without hassles.
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How to relocate to the UK as a medical professional
With the new changes being implemented, relocating may seem overwhelming. But you can achieve success with the right strategies, including the following.
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Secure your role and sponsorship
The first step is to determine which job role your skills are needed, as this is crucial for your visa application. Afterward, find an organisation who is willing to sponsor your visa and secure your employment. Again, this organisation must be CQC-registered, so keep this in mind.
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Understand the steps of getting your visa
Depending on your job, you’ll need to understand the processes of getting a visa to prevent stress. As a medical worker joining the NHS, you’ll need the health and care visa, which is now classified as a skilled worker visa and replaces the Tier 2 general work visa. You should also note that applications are online, and you’ll need several documents depending on your job role and location. You should ideally get a response in three weeks if you are outside the UK, although this can change due to several factors.
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Accommodation is necessary
You’ll also need to secure your accommodation, whether you choose to rent or buy a house. However, you should understand the processes regarding these options to prevent fraud or legal issues.
You’ll also want to do the following:
Embrace the change by familiarising yourself with your new environment.
Join a support system, as they can provide comfort and helpful tips on how to live comfortably in the UK.
Speak to an expert today!
Relocating To The UK As A Medical Professional from Ghana can seem daunting, especially with the new reforms being implemented. Fortunately, with Achilinks Travel Consult, you can navigate the processes stress-free. Feel free to reach out to us with the following contacts:
Accra: +233594189892
Kumasi: +233200656893
London: +447467272953
