Planned increases in costs for overseas health workers and nursing students coming to the UK have been condemned by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

In a letter to the home secretary, Suella Braverman, RCN general secretary, Pat Cullen, raised concerns about the impact the 15% rise in health and care visa application fees and 35% increase in overseas student fees will have the UK’s ability to attract and retain nursing staff.

In the letter, Cullen warns the government that “we are concerned that these fee increases will make the UK a less attractive place to live and work for the nurses and other health professionals who make vital contributions to our health and care sector every day”.

In addition to the hike in fees, the cost for indefinite leave to remain in the country is set to increase by 20% to £2,885.

Over half (53%) of registered nurses joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council register in the past year were educated internationally.

Cullen added: “Nursing staff and care workers, regardless of their country of origin, make a vital contribution to this country in both the care they provide and the taxes and National Insurance contributions they already pay.

“They deserve to be valued and recognised. Subjecting our much-needed internationally educated staff in the health and care sector to additional levies is not only unjust but divisive and short-sighted.” 

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick highlighted the “very large” number of people coming to the UK on social care visas during the Conservative Party conference last week.

The government is facing growing pressure from the right of its party to curb visa numbers in order to help bring down immigration.

A government spokesperson said: “We recognise the significant contribution of overseas NHS workers, but must keep our immigration policies under constant review to ensure they best serve the UK and reflect the public’s priorities. 

“There are already a record number of nurses working in the NHS. The Health and Care visa also remains significantly cheaper for eligible people working in health and social care to come to the UK with their families.”