European Union countries are locked in a fierce competition to attract doctors from Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, according to a recent investigation by Mediapart.
The scramble comes amid a widespread shortage of medical professionals across the bloc.
Germany appears to be winning the race. The country offers a streamlined process for recognizing foreign medical qualifications, coupled with attractive salaries.
Language barriers are also becoming less of an obstacle, with German institutions providing language courses for new doctors.
According to Mediapart, many North African doctors are opting to go directly to Germany, even if it means spending a year learning the language.
This shift in preference is attributed to Germany’s attractive incentives, including free German language courses offered by institutions like Leipzig Hospital.
Private clinics in southern Germany further entice doctors with free accommodation for the first six months and assistance in finding housing.
France, a traditional destination for North African medical professionals, is struggling to keep pace.
The process for foreign doctors to obtain licensing and find employment can be lengthy and bureaucratic, prompting many to choose Germany even if it means learning a new language first.
A recent report by the National Council of the Order of Physicians in France shows a significant rise in the number of foreign doctors working in the country.
In 2010, only 4.1% of doctors in France were qualified outside the European Union. By 2023, that number had jumped to 7.5%. These doctors primarily come from countries in the Maghreb region of North Africa.
This competition for talent is just one facet of a larger global problem. A significant portion of Europe’s current doctors are nearing retirement age, creating a looming shortage.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, 30% of European doctors are 55 years of age or older. This demographic trend has been described as a “ticking time bomb” by WHO expert Tomas Zapata, as these doctors are expected to retire within the next decade.
The issue is further compounded by the uneven distribution of medical personnel, with many doctors migrating from developing countries to wealthier nations.
Morocco exemplifies this trend. The country loses an estimated 600 doctors annually, prompting calls from the government for increased investment in the health sector to make it more attractive to its medical workforce.
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