The families of doctors who die during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK will be granted indefinite leave to stay in the UK, it has been announced as part of a range of reforms aimed at helping overseas NHS staff.

In some cases the decision will allow families to settle in the UK from less stable regions of the world.Families will not be required to pay for visa applications, Home Secretary Priti Patel said. The move, which also applies to other NHS staff, was welcomed by medical organisations.

There will also be visa extensions for other staff groups, which had not received them yet. These include radiographers, midwives and pharmacists.

British Medical Association chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: “Tragically, the fight against this virus has cost some international doctors and healthcare professionals their life. It is only right therefore that, at what is an immeasurably challenging time, their dependents are afforded a sense of security and reassurance about their future status in the UK.

“This pandemic highlights the invaluable dedication and service that doctors from overseas make to our NHS and the patients that they care for. Now more than ever, it is absolutely crucial that we show them and their families how much they are valued.”

Doctors’ Association president Dr Samantha Batt-Rawden said: “It has been heart-breaking to hear doctors’ fears for their families should they die in service. Doctors should not have to worry that their loved ones would be left destitute or even deported in the event of their death at this enormously stressful time. Now more than ever we must ensure that we care for doctors from overseas who are putting their lives on the line to serve the NHS during this national crisis.”