Policy change simplifies the process for foreign doctors to work in New Zealand

Previously, Te Whatu Ora had specified that applicants needed to meet certain criteria to qualify for its first-year residency programme (PGY1).

Under these criteria, even if doctors had relevant clinical experience and had successfully passed their New Zealand registration exam (NZREX), they were still required to have either graduated within the past 10 years or worked as doctors within the past seven years.

This limitation raised concerns among international doctors, many of whom had initially welcomed what seemed to be a more accessible pathway into New Zealand's healthcare system following the mid-December announcement of increased exam spots for overseas doctors.

The expansion of exam slots was accompanied by assurances that Health NZ was working to provide as many placements as possible for newly trained NZREX doctors.

In the past, international doctors often faced challenges securing a slot or finding the required first-year placement necessary to establish a career as a doctor in New Zealand.

Today, Health NZ's national chief medical officer, Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting international doctors — provided they have the appropriate registration and clinical experience — in securing roles within the hospital and primary care sectors.

She confirmed to 1News that the agency would no longer enforce "employment qualifying periods related to recent clinical practice."

"Specifically, the written selection criteria requiring graduation within the past seven to 10 years and permanent employment within the last seven years have been removed from Health NZ's PGY1 application processes."

"We are also exploring options to expand current bridging programmes to provide additional support for international doctors where appropriate."