FOI release

Exemptions to the Civil Service Nationality Rules

This request was refused in part, so we didn't provide some of the information the requester asked for. This may include information where we can neither confirm nor deny that we hold it.

Case reference FOI2026/01009

Received 8 September 2026

Published 15 October 2026

Request

I am writing to ask how often the MHRA has employed people using an Aliens' Certificate in the last five years? If it would not result in any deanonymisation please break this down by civil service grade. What exercises were undertaken to ensure that: * there is no suitably qualified UK national available for employment in that post; or * the alien possesses exceptional qualifications or experience for employment in that post.

Response

See attached

Documents

• FOI2026 01009(redacted).pdf (518.8 KB)

This is Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.