New recruitment laws to expand pool of nurses

Following the ‘Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements’ document, published by the health authorities recently, registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing do not need two years of work experience post their qualification to apply for nursing licences in the UAE.

The new update was recently issued jointly by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority and the Sharjah Health Authority.

Healthcare providers across the country have said relaxation in the experience criteria for nursing professionals would boost the sector and see young talented nurses consider a career in the UAE.

While healthcare workers are still waiting for more clarity on the licensing reforms from respective government departments, the ‘Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements’ document is a welcome relief for private companies looking to expand their nursing workforce.

Malvika Varma, group human resources head, Prime Healthcare Group said, “healthcare providers clarified that even though fresh graduates and registered nurses need not have any experience before arriving in the UAE, they must have a registration certificate from their home countries to be eligible to apply for a license in UAE. Medical professionals are scarce worldwide, especially post-pandemic”.

She explained, “It is a welcome move by the UAE health authorities as it expands the pool of nurses and paramedics available to us for recruitment. The new reforms could increase the population of nurses and paramedics available to apply for a license to explore opportunities in the UAE.” Moreover, hospitals can hire nurses directly from campuses rather than recruitment consultants.