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How to Move to Saudi Arabia as a Medical Practitioner, requirements (2024)

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Like many countries around the world, Saudi Arabia is currently facing a shortage of medical professionals. The migration of nurses and other practitioners outside the country is believed to be one of the main causes of this shortage.

According to a report released by the Saudi Arabia Investment Authority, the country is experiencing a deficit of over 30,000 nurses and doctors combined. This has led to a 30% decrease in the number of available medical practitioners nationwide, prompting the Saudi government to seek solutions to address this issue.

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While the Saudi government has not officially requested foreign doctors to migrate to the country, several Arab news outlets have discussed how the influx of doctors from abroad could potentially help alleviate the shortage. The government is actively exploring ways to attract and retain more medical professionals within the country.

How to Work in Saudi Arabia as Medical Practitioner

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To work as a medical consultant in Saudi Arabia, individuals must meet certain requirements and provide evidence of their qualifications. One of the primary requirements is certification as a doctor. This means that you would need to hold the necessary certifications and provide proof of your medical qualifications. The specific certifications required may vary depending on the medical specialty or field of practice.

It’s important to note that the process for obtaining a license to work as a medical consultant in Saudi Arabia involves a thorough evaluation of qualifications and credentials. This ensures that the medical professionals practicing in the country meet the necessary standards and can provide quality healthcare services to the population.

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To work as a medical consultant in Saudi Arabia, you would need to have a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in your area of specialty, along with a minimum of 2 years of post-experience. The Saudi authorities also accept equivalent certifications from other countries, such as Canadian/American board certification.

In addition to that, the following certifications are recognized in Saudi Arabia:

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  • UK CCST/CCT
  • Italy (Diploma de Medical Specialista)
  • South Africa (Fellowship of the College of Medicine)
  • France DES

Furthermore, any certification obtained from a medical school listed in the International Medical Education Directory of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research would also be accepted.

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Having a degree in medicine or a related field of study is a prerequisite, and it is also important to have completed pre-specialist training certification of at least one year. Additionally, you would need specialist training certification from a structured program.

These requirements ensure that medical consultants in Saudi Arabia have the necessary qualifications and training to provide quality healthcare services. If you’re considering pursuing a career as a medical consultant in Saudi Arabia, it would be beneficial to gather all the required certifications and fulfill the necessary training programs.

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Having an understanding of Arabic is required, although English is widely spoken in most hospitals there. It’s also worth mentioning that female doctors are preferred for certain specialisms, especially in obstetrics and gynaecology roles and fertility medicine.

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When it comes to visa applications, the process can vary depending on the country you’re applying from. However, having a job offer beforehand can make the process easier. If you already have a job offer from a Saudi Arabian hospital, you can log in to the dataflowgroup.com website to verify your credentials, which will help speed up your visa application process.

If you don’t have a job offer yet but would still like to work in Saudi Arabia, websites like naukrigulf.com are a great way to search for job opportunities. Once you receive a job offer, the rest becomes much easier, as employers play a significant role in the visa application process.

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