Skip to content

Sim Login

More EU doctors in the UK than ever before

According to the General Medical Council (GMC), there are more doctors than ever before coming from mainland Europe to practise in the UK.

Figures show that southern Europe now provides the UK with more doctors than South Asia, which was previously its main source. Out of the total number of doctors who came to the UK in 2008, 18% were of south European origin whilst those who stemmed from South Asia totalled 28%. However, by 2013 this figure had fallen to 20%  whilst the number of southern European doctors had nearly doubled to 33%.

The GMC associates this change of source with the tightening of immigration rules applicable to non-EEA citizens. It claims that, after these changes were made in 2010, it became harder for international medical graduates to secure training and employment here. It has also claimed that the economic downturn in Europe and the increased opportunities made available to European graduates following changes in 2004 and 2007 may have had something to do with this rise.

Despite nearly 7,000 doctors arriving in the UK in 2013, the GMC is reporting shortages of skills within the healthcare system across the nation, with doctors feeling overloaded and ‘at risk of burning out’.


Insight magazine

Insight magazine

Exceptionally efficient and seamless delivery of services. Very friendly and helpful Consultants.

MG, Law Firm

A very pleasant and clear process with Smith Stone Walters. The team were always responsive, helpful, and positive.

WS, Software company

The team is outstandingly helpful, incredibly professional, exceptionally efficient, and impressively proactive. Their dedication and commitment are truly commendable.

JK, Accounting Company

Super professional and responsive!

RM, Private Client

The whole team were the epitome of professionalism throughout the process. I would not hesitate to recommend Smith Stone Walters and have already done so.

NG, Healthcare Company

A big thanks to SSW for their support and guidance, it has been a pleasure working with them on my case.

LA, Private client

Top notch experience. Thank you for your incredible promptness and patience in answering all the queries.

AK, Technology Company
Thank
you
We’ll be in touch shortly!