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Why overseas doctors come to the UK

GMC has published new research looking at what factors drive overseas doctors to choose to live and work in the UK.

20 June 2025

Published today (20th June), the report sheds light on the motivations behind overseas-qualified doctors choosing to work in the UK, or opting for other destinations.

Commissioned by the General Medical Council (GMC), the study surveyed over 3,000 doctors between June and August 2024, who had recently joined or were in the process of joining the UK medical register.

Top reasons for international doctors considering the UK are:

  • career development
  • learning opportunities
  • working with skilled colleagues
  • a well-functioning healthcare system
  • quality of life.

Reasons cited why some choose not to relocate to the UK are:

  • complex entry requirements
  • personal changes
  • a preference for other countries.

This is the fourth report in a series aimed at helping UK health workforce planners and policymakers better understand global migration trends and ensure the long-term sustainability of the NHS.

Read the report in full.

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