RPS welcomes Home Office visa extension for pharmacists

Today the Home Office announced that frontline healthcare workers with visas expiring 1 October 2020-31 March 2021 will receive an automatic one-year extension on completion of an online form to verify their identity.

RPS President Sandra Gidley said:

“We’re pleased to see the Government renew its free 12 month visa extension for pharmacists and continue their exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

“It’s only right that the amazing contribution overseas pharmacists have made during the pandemic is recognised in this way. It’s vital that the workforce is retained and supported so that teams can continue to provide patient care during and beyond the second wave of the pandemic.

“We’d like to see a review of cases where pharmacists have missed the window since October. To avoid this situation in the future, the policy should be reviewed in good time ahead of the new deadline in March.”

Pharmacists wanting a visa extension can sign up to the Home Office mailing list where they will be notified as soon as they can apply.