In a move designed to provide better job opportunities to homegrown nursing graduates, Britain has decided to cut back on recruiting junior nurses from India and other non-European Union countries.

The decision, which will be enforced from August 7, comes after the British government made it compulsory for Indian and other non-EU doctors to get a work permit to enter Britain.

According to the latest decision, nurses from outside the European Union will require work permits to take up jobs in the state-funded National Health Services. But, it will be difficult for others to come, because a work permit will be granted only if a job cannot be filled by UK or EU applicants.

A total of 11,477 foreign nurses, including 3,690 from India, came to Britain from outside the EU in 2004-05, the last year for which complete records are available.

While India accounted for maximum number of nurses, Philippines (2,521) and Australia [Images] (981) came second and third. South Africa [Images] provided 933 nurses and Pakistan 205 during the period.

The new rule announced on Monday removes nurses from the Home Office shortage occupation list and applies to nurses in bands 5 and 6 - those who have between a few months and 18 months' experience.

The move is a reaction to a growing surplus of nurses, which has made it harder for many British graduates to find a job, but the Royal College of Nurses was critical of the government's decision.

Dr Beverly Malone, General Secretary of the RCN said, "International nurses have always been there for the UK in times of need and... they are now being made scapegoats for the current deficits crisis."