The Logistics of Relocating

If you are a Doctor or healthcare professional, looking for your next medical job in the UAE, then the idea of relocating can seem daunting. Logistically, there are lots of things you need to do if you are considering moving to the UAE.

You will find below some handy “hints and tips” for what you need to do (and in what order).

 

Become Eligible to Work

A lot of people will assume that if they already have a job as a Doctor or healthcare professional, finding a new medical job in the UAE will simply be a matter of applying for and getting a role. It is not quite as simple as that, as before you can work in the UAE you will need a professional license. Yes, some employers will consider interviewing doctors who have NOT obtained the eligibility, however, this is rare as it’s a long process which employers are not willing to wait for. Not even for a great doctor! The license you need will depend on the area you are planning on relocating to. A quick reference guide is below:

  • Dubai Health Authority (DHA License) – if you wish to work in Dubai
  • Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD License) – if you wish to pursue your career in Abu Dhabi or Al ain
  • Ministry of Health (MOH License) – if you want to find a role in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm al Quwain or Ras Al Khaimah

 

Find a job

Once you have obtained your license, the next step is to find a new position. If you are based in another country such as the UK or US, it can be awkward to try and find out which hospitals or clinics are recruiting. You can then end up in a difficult position of trying to speculatively send your CV to employers, which rarely yields the desired results. When you get to this stage, it can be beneficial to partner with an experienced recruitment agency to get them to work proactively on your behalf. For example, Doctors in Dubai already have key contacts in hundreds of hospitals and clinics across the UAE – we know who is recruiting and the type of healthcare jobs they are recruiting for.

 

Focus on family

Do you have children? If so, making sure they are properly looked after is essential. The school system in the UAE is great but there may be a waiting list for the school that you want. A good recruitment partner will be able to help you with research into local schools.

 

Get documents attested

For the Ministry of Health applications, this is a requirement. This can often be very time consuming, so start sooner rather than later. You can do this in your own country but remember that qualification certificates, marriage certificates and birth certificates for all members of your family may be needed.

 

Find somewhere to live

The best advice here is to move into temporary accommodation while you search for your dream home. This will also give you a chance to get to know the neighbourhoods local to where you are working.

 

Remember, if you are unsure about any aspect of the above your best bet is to work with an experienced recruitment partner who can take away this stress from you.

Myself and members of my team are British ex-pats so we understand how exciting (but scary!) the idea of relocating to a new country can be. But we also know from personal experience that it can be one of the best decisions of your life!

Kaneez Nabijee
CEO
Doctors in Dubai

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