Israel advances bill to recognize foreign medical licenses for aliyah

A bill seeking to ease the process of absorption for immigrants and returning residents by allowing automatic recognition of professional licenses in the medical field in accordance with European Union regulations has passed a preliminary vote in the Knesset on Wednesday. The automatic recognition mechanism has been operating successfully in Europe for over a decade and has brought economic and social benefits to 28 countries, home to about 500 million people.

MK Dan Illouz (Likud), who initiated the bill, expressed hope that this change will make integration easier for new immigrants. He stated that “Immigrating to the State of Israel is a Zionist value of the highest order and the State of Israel must ensure a comfortable and gentle reception for every Jew who chooses to immigrate to the land of his ancestors.”

He also mentioned that one of the main barriers to immigration and absorption is the process of recognizing professional licenses and that many immigrants do not enjoy successful absorption and return to their countries of origin after having given up on getting their licenses recognized.

Illouz stressed that this bill aims to address this issue and make it easier for immigrants to integrate into Israeli society.

What happens if the bill passes?

If the bill becomes law, it will be easier for immigrant medical practitioners and returning residents to receive recognition of their professional licenses in the medical field in accordance with European Union regulations.

It is hoped that this will facilitate absorption and encourage more immigration.

The EU system of automatic recognition of professional qualifications covers seven sectoral professions: nurses, midwives, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, veterinary surgeons  – and architects. For a European to work in another EU country, professionals must apply to the authority that oversees their profession in that country for the recognition of their qualifications.