Story perspectives

Overseas Nurse Arrivals Plummet Amid Racism, Immigration Rules

12/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

The number of overseas nurses and midwives arriving in the United Kingdom fell from 12,534 in 2024 to 6,321 in 2025.
Arrivals from India and the Philippines fell by 58% and 68%, respectively.
Rising racism and stricter immigration rules factor into the decline.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) reports that more international staff are leaving the United Kingdom, worsening the NHS staffing crisis.
Despite these trends, the total number of registered nurses and midwives reached a record 860,801, with men making up 12% of the workforce.

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Story summary

The number of overseas nurses and midwives arriving in the United Kingdom fell from 12,534 in 2024 to 6,321 in 2025.
Arrivals from India and the Philippines fell by 58% and 68%, respectively.
Rising racism and stricter immigration rules factor into the decline.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) reports that more international staff are leaving the United Kingdom, worsening the NHS staffing crisis.
Despite these trends, the total number of registered nurses and midwives reached a record 860,801, with men making up 12% of the workforce.