Healthcare workers from overseas should be exempt from a “devastating” surcharge they must pay to access NHS services, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned.

All adult migrants who come to the UK from countries outside of the European Economic Area currently have to pay £400 a year – irrespective of whether they use the health service or not.

The immigration health surcharge is going to be increased to £624 a year in October, with parents also expected to pay £470 a year for each dependent child.

The union said it was “alarming” to hear the Home Office has denied that a review of the surcharge was ever considered, given how Home Secretary Priti Patel had said a review was taking place three weeks ago.

In a letter to Ms Patel, RCN chief executive Dame Donna Kinnair said the charge must be waived “as a matter of urgency” – describing it as an “unfair and unjust additional financial burden” on the 77,065 non-EEA nurses who work in health and care nationwide.

“Not only do healthcare professionals make a significant contribution towards our health and care system by virtue of their work, but they also already pay taxes and national insurance that pay toward our services,” Dame Donna wrote.

“The proposed increases will serve to exacerbate hardships and will act as a significant barrier to individuals considering working in the UK at precisely the time that they are needed most.”

Dame Donna said it was “extremely disappointed” by the plans to increase the surcharge by 56%, and claimed the RCN was yet to see evidence that supports the revised figures.

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