About 200 doctors can't find work in Luxembourg
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A joint response from the Ministers of Health, Labour and Higher Education outlines the current problems with the recognition of qualifications of health professionals from non-EU countries. The situation is exacerbated by the shortage of human resources in the health sector.
According to ADEM, about 200 people with medical diplomas obtained outside the EU (doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists and others) are registered as unemployed. Half of them speak French or German at B2 level - the minimum level for obtaining a permit to practise.
The recognition of diplomas is regulated by Directive 2005/36/CE. There are three main scenarios:
Professions with automatic recognition (doctors, dentists, veterinarians, etc.)
Professions with a general order of recognition
Unregulated occupations
Ministers are discussing the possibility of introducing an adaptation programme in which specialists from non-EU countries could work under supervision to prove their professional competences. As part of the 2023-2028 coalition agreement, the University of Luxembourg's list of medical specialities is planned to be expanded to include paediatrics and psychiatry. This will open up additional opportunities for the recognition of diplomas in these fields.
Language training at the De Widong Centre is available for healthcare professionals, including training in professional communication with patients and colleagues. This helps professionals to adapt more quickly and meet language requirements.
For specialists whose diplomas cannot be recognised, ADEM offers reorientation programmes for related professions. Some participants have successfully completed retraining and found jobs in new fields.
Introducing more flexible recognition and language training programmes could be key to addressing the shortage of health professionals in Luxembourg and supporting foreign professionals in their professional integration.
