visa worries

I am one of the doctors currently working in NHS.

It has been sad times for Non-EU overseas doctors. Much awaited decision on the judicial review of immigration changes effected in April 2006 filed by Dr.Imran Yousaf and BAPIO(British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) has failed .The situation has become very grim. Some of the IMGs(International Medical Graduates) have gone back with their families,hoping to forget the years of struggle they spent in UK as a bad dream. Some will go back with no career achievements or qualifications.Others will have to take up non-training jobs, abandoning their career aspirations,thanks to Government s poor planning and BMA's( British Medical association) not-so-helpful attitude.The court judgement does agree that the government failed to consult relevant parties and did not take a race impact assessment.

With the arrival of MMC(Modernising Medical Careers), majority of IMGs are finding that they wont be able to get any further in the career ladder as they will not have appropriate visas.Obviously, the government is not bothered.They needed us and we had an opportunity.Now, we have been dumped.The system has lost all its international credibility.

Even the media did not bother to give any coverage despite the fact that Dr.Yousaf committed suicide recently as was refused further leave to remain in this country.The changes implemented do not just affect the doctors themselves but their children and their families who have made sacrifices to come here and now are faced with the prospect of going back empty handed after investing years in NHS

Furthermore, their is a growing perception as to whether it has been any successful in representing overseas doctors.Many of my friends have cancelled their memberships.BAPIO just doesn't not seem to have the influence or resources.Other issue that worries me is whether our local colleagues understand the issues or have they been vocal enough.Finally, we as overseas doctors haven't been as united either.Many of us have just been sitting back and watching to see what happens.

Th general feeling is that the Government of United Kingdom and our respective Govts from our countries of origin have failed to protect our interests.The changes were poorly planned and implemented by various trusts with their own interpretations..

With every new day when I wake up, I hope not to read or hear any news from home office re overseas doctors.I know it wont be good.