The Hindu : Front Page : U.K. court overturns discriminatory rules

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Saturday, Nov 10, 2007
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U.K. court overturns discriminatory rules

Hasan Suroor

Happy end to a long battle

LONDON: The High Court’s decision on Friday to uphold Britain’s overseas doctors’ appeal against rules that require medical graduates from outside the European Union to obtain work permit before coming to Britain is expected to benefit thousands of overseas doctors.

Many of them were facing the prospect of having to return home and apply again after being told last year that they would be subject to the new procedure under which work permits to doctors from non-EU countries would be given only against specific vacancies for which suitable “home grown” doctors were not available.

Widespread protests

The change of rules had sparked widespread protests and the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) went to court demanding that the new rules not be applied retrospectively to those who were already in Britain either in training or temporary employment.

Doctors said they felt “betrayed” by the sudden change in rules which amounted to a breach of the conditions under which they came here.

The British Government, however, claimed that it was simply responding to demand for jobs from British medical graduates whose number had risen considerably in recent years.

Diwali gift

Friday’s ruling was the result of an appeal against a previous court judgment which had gone in favour of the government. BAPIO hailed the verdict as a “Diwali” gift.

“We are absolutely delighted. This is a truly happy Diwali for thousands of doctors who have been through 18 months of unimaginable stress. Doctors on the HSMP came to the U.K. on the understanding they are required here and will be treated fairly. This judgment means that these International Medical Graduates can expect to be treated on merit for the 2008 recruitment process and onwards,” said Dr. Raman Lakshman, Vice-Chair for Policy for BAPIO.

Dr. Ramesh Mehta, president of BAPIO, stressed his organisation’s commitment to the rights of ethnic minority doctors.

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