Overseas NHS Workers Day is held on the first Friday of March to recognise the contributions of international healthcare workers in the UK’s National Health Service. Founded by the Doctors’ Association UK, the day honours the tens of thousands of doctors, nurses, and support staff from over 200 nationalities who help keep the NHS running.
What is Overseas NHS Workers Day?
Overseas NHS Workers Day is an annual awareness and appreciation event held on the first Friday of March. Founded by the Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK), the day recognises the extraordinary contributions made by international healthcare workers — doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and support staff — who have migrated to the United Kingdom to work in the National Health Service. With over 200 nationalities represented across the NHS in England alone, the workforce is one of the most diverse in the world, and this day ensures that diversity is celebrated and its value is understood.
When is Overseas NHS Workers Day?
Overseas NHS Workers Day falls on the first Friday of March each year. In 2026, that is Friday, 6 March.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, 6 March |
| 2027 | Friday, 5 March |
| 2028 | Friday, 3 March |
| 2029 | Friday, 2 March |
| 2030 | Friday, 1 March |
Why Overseas NHS Workers Day Matters
The NHS could not function without its international workforce. Approximately one in four NHS doctors in England are international medical graduates (IMGs), and overseas-trained nurses and midwives make up a significant proportion of frontline staff across hospitals, GP surgeries, and community services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these workers were disproportionately affected — facing higher exposure risks, separation from families abroad, and the grief of losing colleagues — yet they continued to serve with extraordinary dedication. Recognising their contribution is not merely symbolic. It connects directly to campaigns for fair treatment, better working conditions, and immigration policies that acknowledge the indispensable role international staff play in UK healthcare. If you have ever been treated in an NHS hospital, there is a strong chance an overseas worker was involved in your care.
How to Get Involved in Overseas NHS Workers Day
There are meaningful ways to show your appreciation, whether you work in healthcare or simply benefit from it:
- Dress in green and blue — The colours of the globe. NHS trusts across the country encourage staff and members of the public to wear green and blue on 6 March as a visible show of solidarity with international healthcare workers.
- Thank an overseas NHS worker personally — A handwritten card, a text message, or a face-to-face thank you can mean more than any formal recognition. If you know someone who moved to the UK to work in the NHS, let them know their contribution is valued.
- Share stories on social media — Use #OverseasNHSWorkersDay to share stories of international colleagues, friends, or family members who work in the NHS. Putting names and faces to the statistics helps build public understanding.
- Support the DAUK’s advocacy work — The Doctors’ Association UK campaigns for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Bill, which seeks to provide overseas NHS workers with a more secure immigration pathway. You can support this by contacting your MP or signing relevant petitions.
- Organise a workplace celebration — Hospitals, clinics, and GP surgeries can host lunches, tea breaks, or recognition ceremonies to publicly appreciate their international staff.
- Educate yourself about the global health workforce — Learn about the countries that train the doctors and nurses who come to work in the UK, and consider the impact on healthcare systems in those nations. Understanding the full picture builds empathy and informed support.
- Donate to organisations supporting international healthcare workers — Charities providing mental health support, housing assistance, and professional development for overseas NHS staff welcome contributions of any size.
History of Overseas NHS Workers Day
Overseas NHS Workers Day was established by the Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK), a campaigning organisation that represents doctors across the United Kingdom. The day was founded by Dr Pushpo Babul Hossain, an international medical graduate from Bangladesh who joined the NHS in January 2020 — just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Dr Hossain’s experience arriving in a new country and immediately being plunged into the most severe healthcare crisis in a generation gave him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by overseas NHS workers. He saw colleagues working punishing hours, separated from families in their home countries, and facing both the virus and, at times, prejudice and hostility. He founded the day to ensure that the sacrifices and contributions of international healthcare workers would not be forgotten once the immediate crisis passed.
The first Overseas NHS Workers Day received support from NHS trusts across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as from professional bodies and charities. Since then, the day has grown in visibility and significance, becoming a focal point for both celebration and advocacy. DAUK uses the occasion to advance its campaigns for better immigration policies, workplace protections, and professional recognition for international staff. The day also connects to the broader conversation about how the UK recruits, trains, and retains the healthcare workforce it needs. The same spirit of appreciation can be found in events like Employee Appreciation Day, which falls on the same date.
Noteworthy Facts About Overseas NHS Workers Day
- Over 200 nationalities are represented within the NHS workforce in England, making it one of the most diverse workforces in the world.
- Approximately one in four NHS doctors in England are international medical graduates.
- The largest groups of overseas NHS workers come from India, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Ireland.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, overseas NHS workers were disproportionately represented among healthcare worker deaths in the UK.
- The Doctors’ Association UK campaigns for the Indefinite Leave to Remain Bill to provide overseas NHS workers with a more secure immigration pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Overseas NHS Workers Day?
Overseas NHS Workers Day is an annual appreciation event on the first Friday of March, recognising the vital contributions of international healthcare workers in the UK’s National Health Service. It was founded by the Doctors’ Association UK.
When is Overseas NHS Workers Day in 2026?
Overseas NHS Workers Day is on Friday, 6 March 2026.
Who founded Overseas NHS Workers Day?
The day was founded by Dr Pushpo Babul Hossain, an international medical graduate from Bangladesh, through the Doctors’ Association UK. Dr Hossain joined the NHS in January 2020 and created the day to recognise overseas workers’ extraordinary contributions, particularly during the pandemic.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Overseas NHS Workers Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #OverseasNHSWorkersDay and #OverseasNHSWorkersDay2026 on social media. Whether you dress in green and blue, write a thank-you card, or simply share a post, every gesture of recognition helps ensure that the contributions of international healthcare workers are valued and remembered.
Related Awareness Days
- Employee Appreciation Day — Falls on the same date in 2026 and shares the spirit of recognising dedicated workers for their contributions.
- Healthcare Science Week — Celebrates the professionals working behind the scenes in the NHS, many of whom are from overseas.
- International Women’s Day — Held two days later, this global event recognises the contributions of women across all sectors, including the many women in the international NHS workforce.
Links
Related Events
March 8 @ 12:00 am - March 14 @ 12:00 am
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