Problems being experienced by Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) applicants when having their medical degrees assessed by National Recognition Centre for the UK (NARIC)
May 2007
The BMA has become increasingly aware that a significant number of doctors are experiencing problems when having their medical qualifications assessed by the NARIC when applying for the HSMP. Over the last few months, we have been contacted by members, from a wide range of countries, who have had their HSMP applications turned down because they did not achieve sufficient points. The doctors concerned have practised medicine for significant periods of time, including experience in the UK working for the NHS and therefore have GMC registration, but have been told by NARIC that their medical degrees are merely equivalent to a UK Higher National Diploma/Diploma in Higher Education, which does not qualify for points for the purposes of an HSMP application.
The BMA has issued a request for doctors to contact us so that we can gather further information about the problems with NARIC being experienced by colleagues who have applied for the HSMP. We have identified that there are many difficulties being experienced by doctors who have had their degrees assessed by NARIC. Information passed to the BMA will be held in a confidential way, and will help to inform our efforts to deal with these problems.
The BMA is addressing the problems with the whole NARIC system, rather than individual cases. We have approached NARIC on two occasions: to request its justification for decisions made, and to inform NARIC of the role of the GMC in assessing medical qualifications and registering doctors. Two letters have also been sent on this matter to Bill Rammell, Higher Education Minister - from Edwin Borman, Chairman of the International Committee, and from Jim Johnson, Chairman of Council - to request that this matter is urgently addressed. Copies have been sent to Liam Byrne, Minister of State (Immigration and Asylum) and Roger King, Chief Executive of NARIC.
The BMA will continue to work hard for a satisfactory resolution of these problems, and has requested an urgent meeting with Bill Rammell. We will also be taking this forward with the Home Office. Any developments will be reported in BMA News and on the BMA website.
If you have been similarly affected please email internationainfo@bma.org.uk