We all are aware that the UK will be leaving the EU on 31 January 2020 and that a transition period will be happening until the end of the year (31 December 2020).
Are you a NMC registered Nurse? Are you a Nurse applying? Are you a Nurse wishing to join the register in the future?
Whatever the case, we understand you might have your concerns regarding Brexit's impact.
NMC shared some very important information that sets out what this transition period will mean for those on or applying to the register.
For those already registered
NMC reassures that EU, EFTA and Swiss trained nurses, midwives and nursing associates working and living in the UK will continue to be registered.
“You will continue to be a highly valued part of the nursing and midwifery professions, delivering quality care to patients and the public even though the UK has left the EU.”
If you're already registered there is nothing more that you need to do.
For those applying to join the register who trained in the EU
Applied before 31 January 2020
If you're in the process of applying to the NMC, your application will continue to be processed.
Applying after 31 January 2020
On 31 January 2020, the UK will enter into a transition period until 31 December 2020. During this time there will be no change in the register of nurses, midwives and nursing associates from the EU, EFTA and Switzerland. There will also be no change to the way UK nurses, midwives and nursing associates can apply to register to work in other EU countries.
What will happen after 31 December 2020?
The transition period lasts until 31 December 2020. The UK Government has until this date to negotiate a future relationship with the EU. Note that NMC doesn't know how future registration processes will be affected until these negotiations take place.
Applying for settled status in the UK
If you’re an EU, EFTA or Swiss citizen, and if you've not done so already, you and your family will need to apply for UK immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 31 December 2020. For more information visit the EU Settlement Scheme website.
If you are an Irish citizen, you will not need to apply for settled or pre-settled status as your rights are protected in the Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
If you're working or looking to work in the EU
If you're a UK-trained nurse, midwife or nursing associate and you are already registered by an EU member state your registration in that country will not be affected.
If you want to apply for registration in an EU member state the process for doing this will remain unchanged throughout the transition period, until 31 December 2020.
Source: NMC website
We hope our article has been helpful.
