Britain signs new immigration deal with Nepal that could see former Gurkhas rescue the NHS

BRITAIN last night signed a new immigration deal with Nepal that could see thousands of former Gurkhas rescue the NHS.

The formal Memorandum of Understanding with the heroic Asian nation will allow its healthcare staff to move to the UK and work in hospitals.

Amid a shortage of nurses and doctors here, an initial pilot project will begin immediately with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and its partners.

But ministers are hoping to widen out the scheme across the nation.

Britain has recruited the hard-as-nails Nepalese warriors, who hail from the Himalayan foothills, into the Army for 200 years.

But the new healthcare accord is the first formal labour supply agreement signed between the countries.

The Nepalese healthcare workers will have the same rights as UK citizens working in the NHS.

Campaigners have warned that Britain faces a shortage of 38,000 nurses, even if it hits the Government’s targets of hiring an additional 50,000 by the next election in 2024.

The Health Foundation warned NHS trusts could face a shortfall of around 140,600 nurses by 2030.