Highest ever number of migrant doctors join UK medical register 2024

A record 20,060 migrant doctors joined the UK medical register last year, significantly outnumbering the 10,384 UK graduates. Most new joiners qualified outside Europe. Despite the high numbers, 4,880 foreign doctors left the UK workforce last year, prompting concerns about future NHS staffing.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting aims to reduce reliance on migrant doctors and prioritize UK graduates. He highlighted the need for more training places and reform in recruitment policies.

The GMC warned that aggressive policies might deter international talent. Charlie Massey, GMC chief executive, cautioned that losing even a small percentage of migrant doctors could create significant staffing gaps in the NHS.