UK Doctor Shortage Worsened By UK Immigration Rules

In 2006 the criteria surrounding the approval of Highly Skilled Migrant Programme Visas (HSMPs), now Tier 1 General of the Points Based System, were increased and this left many skilled International Doctors unable to qualify for a UK work visa. The tightening of the requirements of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) also increased pressure on NHS Trusts to fill Doctors rotas. Since 2006 Tier 1 General Visa (formerly the HSMP) criteria has been increased yet further and this has led to fewer International Doctors gaining UK work visas.

Doctor Shortages are now forcing the National Health Service to look outside the United Kingdom and the European Union in order to plug the current skill gaps. Recently the NHS turned to the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) in order to help them recruit hundreds of junior doctors from India; however the BAPIO are looking for guarantees that if they help bring in shortage doctors the physicians in question will not be asked to leave once the Doctors Shortage has abated.

Recently the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy closed its Accident and Emergency Department due to the Doctors Shortage. Many other NHS Trusts may have to go the same way if a solution is not found soon.

Locum Agencies for Doctors

If you are a Shortage Doctor and you are interested in working in the UK Commonwealth Contractors may be able to help. We work with may Locum Agencies for Doctors who are always in search of Junior Doctors, Accident and Emergency Doctors and other recognised Shortage Doctors. If you are interested in building a Doctors Career Commonwealth Contractors can advise on UK Work Visas such as Tier 1 General (formerly the HSMP), Tier 2 General Visas (formerly UK Work Permits) etc. For information on UK Locum Agencies for Doctors please contact Commonwealth Contractors now.

Commonwealth Contractors

At Commonwealth Contractors we partner with OISC Registered Private Immigration Firms and Tier 2 Licensed Healthcare and IT Consultancies who may be prepared, where required, to sponsor an individual on a Tier 2 Visa (formerly UK Work Permit). If you are a highly skilled International professional and you would like to work in the UK Commonwealth Contractors can help. Our OISC Registered Partners specialise in Tier 1 General (formerly Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) visa applications and can assist those highly skilled individuals that either wish to apply or extend a Tier 1 General Visa.

For more Information call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your details now and we will get right back to you.