Health Minister has condemned the recent
racist violence and offered his support to international
colleagues working throughout the Health & Social Care
system.
“The actions of recent days have no doubt left some
members of our HSC family feeling frightened and
vulnerable,” the Minister said.
“It is well accepted within Health and Social Care that
without our international colleagues, the health service would
collapse.
“The international recruits who arrive to work here
across our HSC system provide an immensely valuable contribution
to the delivery of health and social care services and enrich our
communities with their diversity.
“Since taking up the post of Health Minister last year, I
have had the privilege of meeting healthcare staff right across
Northern Ireland, including many of our internationally recruited
colleagues who have brought their skills, experience and
expertise to our health service. They are greatly needed, very
much appreciated and highly valued. They are deeply welcome here
and their health, safety and wellbeing are of paramount
importance.
“People should be entitled to live in peace, free from
harm and intimidation, and I stand against this reprehensible,
racist and xenophobic behaviour.”
Northern Ireland has a proud reputation of providing excellent
pastoral care and practical support for our international
recruits. HSC employers will continue to provide support for
staff as needed and those who are feeling concerned and
vulnerable should reach out for help.
Notes to editors:
1. Please see a statement from the Department of Health's Chief
Professional Officers here - https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/statement-chief-professional-officers
2. International recruitment is a key avenue in addressing our
resource issues in the future and ensuring that the health &
social care service can deliver the safe and effective service
for patients.
3. Since 2016 over 1,700 international nurses have been recruited
regionally across the five geographically defined HSC Trusts
through the well-established and highly successful International
Nurse Recruitment project.
4. International medical recruitment is undertaken by HSC Trusts
running their own targeted recruitment projects. Overall, HSC
Trusts have reported a total number of 188 overseas doctors who
have commenced employment between April 23 to March 24.
5. As of 12 June 2025, there are 7,783 people registered in
social work or social care who have declared themselves as being
from outside the United Kingdom and Ireland, from across 70
different countries. Of these, 7,688 are social care
practitioners, and 95 are social workers. *Data from the
Northern Ireland Social Care Council (The Social Care
Council).
