Understanding the NHS Employers Red List: A Guide for International Medical Graduates

If you're a doctor seeking work in the UK, you might have heard the term ‘the red list’ banded around by friends, colleagues, or recruitment agencies you’ve spoken to. But what exactly is this red list, and what does it mean for you as an international medical graduate (IMG)? Let's dive in and unpack its significance.

What is the Red List?

The NHS Employers Code of Practice for International Recruitment specifies certain developing countries that should not be targeted for recruiting health or care professionals. This compilation of countries is referred to as ‘the red list’. Additionally, there's an amber list, consisting of countries with specific agreements with the UK that still impose restrictions on active recruitment. We’ll talk more about the meaning of active recruitment, further down in this guide. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll refer to both the red and amber lists as ‘the red list’ or ‘the list’.

The red list is informed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Workforce Support and Safeguard List, which was created in 2020. This list identifies countries with a critical shortage of healthcare workers, generally defined as having fewer than 49 doctors, midwives, and nurses per 100,000 people. Actively recruiting from these nations could worsen their healthcare challenges, making it unethical. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect changing healthcare situations in different countries.

As a framework-approved supplier to the NHS and featuring on the NHS Employers Ethical Recruiters list, Indigo cannot actively recruit doctors from these listed countries or market job opportunities directly to residents of these nations.

What is Active Recruitment?

Active recruitment involves proactive efforts by the NHS, other health or social care employers, or recruitment agencies to attract healthcare professionals from other countries. This includes:

• Direct advertising through job postings or marketing campaigns
• In-country recruitment drives such as job fairs or sourcing trips
• Collaborations with local agencies or recruiters
• Direct contact and networking with individuals in other countries

Conversely, passive recruitment is permitted from red list countries. This occurs when healthcare professionals independently apply for positions without targeted recruitment efforts, such as through unsolicited applications or general job advertisements on platforms like NHS Jobs.

What Does This Mean for You as an IMG?

First, check if your current country of residence is on the red list. You can view the list here: Code of Practice red and amber list of countries | NHS Employers. Remember, the restrictions apply to your country of residence, not your nationality.

If Your Country is Not on the List: You can engage with an agency to find a job in the UK without any issues.

If Your Country is on the List: Recruitment agencies supplying the NHS or other health and social care employers cannot support your applications for roles in the UK for as long as you reside in a red list country.

Don’t worry though; you can still apply independently for NHS jobs without agency support. Should you move to a country not on the red list, you will then be eligible for agency assistance in finding a role.

A word of caution: If you reside in a red list country and an agency offers to represent you for a job within health or social care, ensure that the agency is reputable and approved to avoid scams or exploitation. If in doubt, it is best to decline any support they offer you.

Key Points for IMGs

Navigating the red list restrictions can be confusing. Here are the essential points to remember:

• The red list applies to your country of residence, not your nationality.
• If you live in a red list country, recruitment agencies cannot support you.
• You can still apply independently for NHS jobs.
• The list changes over time, so your current red list country might not always be restricted.
• Moving to a non-red list country allows agencies to assist you in future job applications.

Understanding the red list and its implications will help you navigate your job search in the UK more effectively. For comprehensive and up-to-date information, we always recommend you refer to the official guidance from NHS Employers: Code of Practice red and amber list of countries | NHS Employers and the Department of Health and Social Care: Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

If you need further support or information on any of the information shared in this guide, get in touch with our specialist team:

• Email - contactus@indigohealthcare.co.uk
• Phone - +44 330 123 9665
• Book a call with Indigo Healthcare (office365.com)