Coronavirus: Bereaved families of migrant NHS cleaners and porters locked out of leave-to-remain scheme

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It’s only right that they’re offered the same security and peace of mind as directly-employed NHS staff - after all they face the same dangers.” Labour frontbencher Janet Daby, a former member of the Commons Home Affairs Committee member, said: “It is right that the government has provided protections to the bereaved families of migrant NHS doctors and nurses to remain in the UK. “But this must now be extended to the bereaved families of all NHS workers – security officers, porters, cleaners and catering staff – who have risked their lives to protect us all. “They have sacrificed so much for us and where they have stood up for our country, we need to stand up for their families.” A Home Office spokesperson said: “Alongside automatic visa extensions for health professions, we have also announced immediate indefinite leave-to-remain for the families of those who sadly pass away, which includes nurses, social workers and therapists working in adult social care. “We continue to work with the Department of Health and Social Care to look at additional ways we can help the health sector in future.” Around 3,000 migrant NHS doctors, nurses and paramedics whose working visas expire before 1 October this year have been granted an automatic one-year extension, free of charge.