VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Doctors: Migrant Workers

Asked by Rebecca SmithConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 7 April 2026UIN 123441

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support is available to overseas-qualified doctors who have the right to work in the UK but do not currently meet the requirements to practice in the NHS; and whether he plans to review pathways to enable such professionals to contribute to the healthcare workforce.

Answered by Karin Smyth

Overseas‑qualified doctors must meet General Medical Council (GMC) registration and licensing requirements before practising in the National Health Service. A range of information and guidance is available through the GMC website to support doctors through the registration process. Professional standards and entry requirements remain a matter for the independent regulator. NHS employers recruit locally and determine role requirements in line with service needs.

The 10 Year Workforce Plan will set out how the Government will ensure the NHS has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients when they need it.

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