International Medical Graduates | Doctors Association UK

Our IMG campaigns

1 in 4 doctors working for the NHS have migrated to the UK or trained abroad as an international medical graduate (IMG).

The NHS is currently 10,000 doctors short, with 100,000 vacancies in total across the frontlines.

We desperately need the skills and expertise of our overseas workforce, however recent political decisions have made IMGs feel unwelcome.

In 2018 DAUK lobbied the Home Office to exempt doctors from arbitrary Tier 2 visa caps that were preventing overseas doctors, who had successfully applied for posts within the NHS from taking up their posts.

Our Scrap the Cap campaign was widely picked up by the media and the BMJ. After many months of lobbying DAUK was successful and Tier 2 visa caps were scrapped.

DAUK has supported a number of doctors with visa issues, many of whom had been threatened with deportation. Through our advocacy everyone of them was able to return or stay in the UK, where their home is.

We have lobbied for nearly 2 years for the Immigration Health Surcharge to be scrapped. In autumn 2019 we Chaired a Cross-Party Roundtable on this issue, as well as a number of other issues faced by IMGs, in the House of Lords.

During the COVID-19 crisis we have continued our advocacy for IMGs. DAUK successfully lobbied for the deeply unfair Immigration Health Surcharge to be scrapped after our letter to the Home Secretary was read at Prime Minister’s Questions and an amendment to the Immigration Bill was tabled by Labour.

DAUK has also been leading the call since March 2020 for indefinite leave to remain for all frontline NHS doctors who have served during this COVID-19 crisis.

A vital part of the NHS

They make up a significant proportion of the NHS workforce and are dedicated to saving lives and caring for people. An estimated one in seven NHS staff members are from overseas, representing more than 200 nationalities. Put simply, there wouldn’t be a National Health Service without them, which is why every year, the Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) recognises the incredible contributions of international staff with Overseas NHS Workers Day on the first Friday in March.

NHS Overseas Workers Day

Overseas workers play a vital role in the NHS, significantly enhancing healthcare quality across the UK. Their skills, dedication, and diverse perspectives actively strengthen our health system, ensuring patients consistently receive the best care possible. These professionals help fill staffing gaps, bring knowledge from various medical practices, and add to the cultural richness of the NHS. As a result, their commitment is essential for the NHS to function successfully and profoundly impacts the nation’s health and well-being.

To highlight the importance of overseas workers, the Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) celebrates their contributions every year. Through events like Overseas NHS Workers Day, held on the first Friday in March, we acknowledge their impact on the healthcare system.

Read more about our previous Overseas NHS Workers Day Celebrations and discover how we continue to advocate for the recognition and support of international NHS staff.