1,000 GPs FACE DEPORTATION

'Vital' docs hit in visa rule wrangle

- JOHN SIDDLE

UP TO 1,000 foreign GPS could be lost to the NHS because the Home Office is threatening to force them out of Britain.

New recruits have been sent letters warning of their "removal" just weeks after completing training.

Complex immigration rules mean skilled workers can only apply for a permanent visa after five years.

But GPs usually complete training in three years - leaving a two-year gap during which they must secure sponsorship if they want to stay in the UK.