Proposal to curb visas for foreign doctors

The federal health department wants to put a curb on work visas for foreign-trained doctors.

A file image of a doctor at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool Source: AAP

The federal health department wants to pull the plug on new work visas to foreign-trained doctors but the Turnbull government is yet to back the plan.

The federal health department is pushing to scrap 41 jobs from SOL - including GPs, surgeons and anaesthetists, The Australian reports citing documents released under freedom of information. The move would be counterbalanced by increasing numbers of local medical graduates who could fill vacancies, especially in regional areas.

Over fifty occupations may be removed from Australia's Skilled Occupation List that identifies occupations for immigration to the country. The 52 occupations that have been flagged on the Skilled Occupation List 2016-17 include health professionals, including specialists, engineers, taxation accountants, barristers, solicitors etc.

 

The list of occupations flagged by the Department of Education and Training

Flagged SOL Source: SBS

Flagged SOL Source: SBS

Flagged SOL Source: SBS

* Indicates that the occupation excludes positions in fast food or takeaway food service.

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