British govt to relax procedures for training of overseas doctors

The British government has decided to conditionally open the door for international medical doctors after suspending the ‘Overseas Doctors Training Scheme’ under the proposed new immigration rule.

In May this year, the British government banned overseas doctors from getting on-job training, affecting thousands of postgraduate doctors from around the world. The law is expected to be enforced in early January 2007.

Earlier, overseas doctors used to get a temporary six-month visa to the UK and were allowed to look for a medical job and get training. Later they were permitted to seek visa.

The governmen since September has opened the door. Now there is a new system whereby international medical graduates can come to the UK but only for short term training.

Overseas doctors can work for two years provided that they get a work permit, noting that they will be paid on par with the British doctors.