UK Opens Door to Nepali Nurses: Application Process Now Live

The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security in Nepal has officially launched an application process for its pilot programme, aiming to send Nepali nurses to the UK for a period of sick leave. This noteworthy initiative forms part of a bilateral labor agreement struck between the governments of Nepal and the UK.

Bilateral Labor Agreement and Programme Details

The bilateral labor agreement was finalised in August last year, with a key focus on providing employment opportunities for Nepali nurses in the UK. As a significant milestone in this cooperation, 100 Nepali nursing staff will be sent to the UK in the first phase. The implementation of the action plan approved by both governments facilitates this ambitious move.

Interested Nepali nurses can apply online from July 20 to October 19, 2023. According to the stipulations of the agreement, the eligible candidates should have completed their minimum PCL nursing studies, or have studied nursing at an undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Eligibility and Requirements for Nepali Nurses

Nurses who are looking to participate in this unique opportunity must meet several important criteria:

• Applicants must obtain a permit from the Nursing Council.
• They are required to return home after a working period of five years.
• Proficiency in English is a mandatory requirement, with an IELTS score of 6.5 being compulsory.
• The age limit set for applicants ranges between 20 to 45 years old.
• Applicants should have a minimum work experience of two and a half years in a government-recognized hospital to be eligible to take the IELTS exam.

In a commendable effort to ensure a smooth transition, the agreement asserts that no fee will be levied for the appointment process, and the costs related to the employment of the selected health workers will be covered.

Work, Examination and Compensation Structure

Once in the UK, the selected nurses are required to retake the Nursing Council exam. All nurses participating in this programme will work in locations assigned by the UK government, emphasizing a Government to Government (G2G) process.

The compensation package offered is highly competitive. Initially, the selected nurses will earn a salary of around 47 lakh rupees. Post their registration in the UK, their salary is set to increase up to 58 lakh 55 thousand per year.

This remarkable programme not only serves as a catalyst for enhancing career opportunities for Nepali nurses but also signifies a significant step towards fostering healthcare cooperation between Nepal and the UK.

Joint UK-Nepal Initiative: Launch of Nurse Recruitment Pilot Programme

In a joint press release issued on July 20, 2023, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) of Nepal and the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced the launch of a Nursing Recruitment Pilot. This pioneering initiative aims to facilitate the recruitment of Nepali nurses into the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

Recruitment Details and Application Platform

The pilot, which is a government-to-government recruitment process, plans to recruit up to 100 nursing professionals through a competitive selection procedure. The Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust of the UK and the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) of Nepal will collaboratively manage the recruitment process.

In alignment with the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two governments, no employer, recruitment agency, or other entities will engage in this recruitment process.

This pilot program symbolizes the Nepal government's commitment to ensuring fair, dignified, and orderly migration procedures. Selected Nepali nurses will receive the same rights, privileges, protections, and dignity as all healthcare professionals in the UK.

Purpose and Future Direction

The recruitment process is an ethical, well-managed operation, designed to cater to the mutual needs of both nations. The pilot phase will serve as a learning curve for both governments to assess the programme's efficacy and decide upon future recruitment ventures.

FAQs, Updates, and Application Process

For additional information, periodic updates, and frequently asked questions related to this pilot programme, interested individuals are advised to visit http://ferms.dofe.gov.np/. All queries should be directed to [email protected]. To commence the application process, potential applicants can access the aforementioned platform.

This collaboration between the UK and Nepal paves the way for potential opportunities for Nepali nurses and represents a significant stride in strengthening healthcare alliances between the two nations.

Official Website for Details: https://ferms.dofe.gov.np/home 

Application Link: https://ferms.dofe.gov.np/auth/login 

Application Method: Online

Application Duration: from July 20 to October 19, 2023