As a doctor, why choose Sanctuary International?
Even though moving to the UK may well be a long-held ambition of many international doctors, it’s still a big step to make. This is why we offer all our doctors arriving from overseas a free, yet thorough, relocation support service as part of our recruitment process. As one of the leading healthcare recruitment companies in the UK, NHS trusts and private healthcare employers lean on us for our seamless approach in finding and placing overseas doctors.
Once we have found you the perfect job, we make every effort to ensure that you feel supported in your journey to the UK. There is a lot to consider, including your new UK living costs. However, we can offer advice and guidance on compliance and documentation checking, VISA applications, GMC registration, English language testing, accommodation and travel.
Read more about requirements for overseas workers.
UK-wide coverage
Over 190 healthcare employers across the UK (including NHS trusts and private healthcare providers) ask us to find experienced international doctors – from GPs to specialist consultants and surgeons.
Employers trust us not just to find skilled international doctors, they understand that we have the experience in making the relocation process run smoothly.
Your dedicated consultant
Given the bespoke nature of our relocation service for international doctors, you will be supported by an experienced Sanctuary International consultant throughout. They’ll help you with everything, from securing your interview to assisting you with obtaining the right English language skills required to practise as a Doctor in the UK. Most importantly, you will feel in control at every step since we place a great deal of importance on clear communication and streamlined processes.
Moving to the UK as a doctor
The UK is a fantastic place to practice medicine and as a doctor you could not wish for a better framework in which to develop. After all, the UK has some of the best training and research facilities in the world and employers are all too happy to encourage professional development. With attractive rates of pay and ample opportunity to advance your career, moving to the UK as an overseas doctor is more than just rewarding, it’s life changing.
Start your journey with us
At Sanctuary, we genuinely care about finding you the right role as an international doctor. A position that gives you ample opportunity to put your skills, knowledge and experience into practice. Let us help you find the right match...
What our international doctors say about us
Sanctuary International is an exemplary international recruiter for health workers. These guys found me on linkedin, put me throught the process of CEGPR streamlined process for South Africa. Arranged an interview for me with Southern Health NHSFT. There was consistent follow up, arranged my IGPR, guided me through the NPL process. They were at the forefront of getting my family and I a property for rental, paid for our visas, paid rental and security deposits, paid for house furnitures and delivery. If you are a GP from South Africa, Sanctuary Health can help you relive my experience. I give a 5 star.
Dr K Pender
Family Physician
“It was a nice experience working with Sanctuary International. They have helped in making the relocation smooth. I got to secure a specialty doctor post in the NHS with good pay and a decent relocation package. Not only they helped me with securing the job, but they continued to work with me for visa and other relocation procedures. It was difficult migrating at the time of pandemic, but Sanctuary kept us updated about all new travel regulations and helped us with that. Apart from that they worked closely with the trust in arranging accomodation as well. I thank Sanctuary for assisting me in this big leap and I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is pursuing a medical career in UK.”
Dr P Mammen
Psychiatrist
“My consultant was very helpful in getting me my visa and answered my questions promptly. They were very prompt with booking accommodation and helped me open a bank account online. They ensured that someone from the hospital and the landlady was at the accommodation to show me around and had provided me enough groceries.”
Dr S Ray
Psychiatrist
Keep up-to-date on medical news
We understand that life as a doctor is a very busy one and so our news articles are designed to give you a brief overview on some of the latest healthcare news.
Why are So Many Healthcare Professionals Going Overseas? Push and Pull Factors
For the longest time, the UK has had a healthcare sector to be immensely proud of. And whilst that's still the case regarding the people working within the field, the system itself is undeniably creaking at the seams. This has led many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to look further afield for their professional work, with Australia and New Zealand being trendy choices. In this post, we'll be exploring the various push and pull factors leading the country's healthcare professionals to look elsewhere and investigating what's being done to bolster staff retention.Push FactorsWhenever we talk about emigration or immigration, we can view it through the lens of push and pull factors. These are the things actively pulling us towards somewhere (these are generally positive aspects) as well as those things pushing us away from an area (more often, these are negative things).The main push factors at the minute for UK healthcare professionals are: Poor payStressful working conditions (leading to burnout)Inadequate work-life balancePoor PayMoney talks and a job's salary plays a big part in deciding whether it's worth persisting with or not. Being a doctor or a nurse is a highly demanding job which deserves an appropriately generous compensation package. However, many healthcare professionals in the country don't believe that that's what they receive. There have been regular strikes throughout 2023, with disputes over pay being the leading cause. According to the Nuffield Trust, junior doctors in their first year of practice in the UK earn a basic salary of £32,397, with estimated average earnings of £41,300. This discrepancy between basic pay and estimated average earnings is because most junior doctors work additional (and often unsociable) hours and often receive more money if they live in expensive parts of the country like London. Many believe that this isn't an adequate pay-off for the hours and effort being put in. Particularly when, factoring in inflation over the past 15 years or so, doctors have received, in real terms, a pay cut. Stressful Working Conditions/BurnoutHealthcare professionals are already thought to be more likely to experience burnout than other professionals due to the emotionally taxing, highly stressful jobs they perform. This was especially the case during the Coronavirus pandemic. However, there are indications that this wasn't just a pandemic issue.Burnout is categorised by three main symptoms: emotional exhaustion, feelings of job detachment and a lack of accomplishment/a feeling of ineffectiveness.The heavy workloads that healthcare professionals have are often a cause of burnout, as is frequent overtime, inadequate resources, and the emotional labour that healthcare work involves, to name just a few. These pressures are difficult enough to deal with at the best of times. Then, when you factor in just how much the NHS is struggling, you can understand why burnout levels amongst healthcare professionals are so high and why this might lead people to look to countries with more manageable workloads.170,000 NHS staff left the service due to the stress last year, and whilst not all of those will be going overseas to work, there's no doubt that a considerable number will be. As far as push factors go, this is a big one.Inadequate Work-Life BalanceThis is linked to the above but relates explicitly to unsustainable and skewed work-life balances. Information from Statista shows that, in 2022, over 40% of NHS workers worked as many as five hours of unpaid overtime in an average week.Doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals want to be able to redress the scales and cultivate a more balanced lifestyle. Other countries can often provide that with their healthcare setups, and it's easy to see why that's an attractive proposition.Pull FactorsNow that we've addressed the push factors let's look at what's attracting healthcare professionals elsewhere from a pull perspective. And it's not just junior doctors heading to distant climes either; senior doctors and surgeons are moving, too. The main pull factors include:More attractive payBetter working conditionsImproved quality of lifeMore Attractive PayUndoubtedly, one of the biggest reasons doctors, nurses and other healthcare employees are looking overseas is the higher pay they can expect. Comparing the UK and Australia, for example, and in some cases, doctors can expect to earn double what they do here.Speaking to the Guardian, the British Medical Association consultants' committee's deputy chair, Simon Walsh, said he'd heard of consultants being offered figures "approaching four times [the UK salary]". In 2021 and 2022, there were 12,526 requests for certificates of good standing from the GMC.These certificates help prove to medical providers and regulators in other countries that the professional with the document is in good standing with the General Medical Council. It doesn't specify where a doctor may be thinking about going. However, it shows how many people are considering practising overseas, even if they don't go through with it. Better Working ConditionsIf the healthcare system in the UK currently is a pressure cooker, then healthcare systems in countries like Australia are simmering slow cookers, by contrast. The former is highly intense and unsustainable, whilst the latter has work going along at a much more manageable level.The food still gets cooked, or the work still gets done, but there's much less risk of reaching that explosive point of no return. The job is still stressful at times and remains emotionally taxing; however, in many overseas healthcare settings, those more difficult periods come in waves rather than as a full-on, non-stop barrage.By comparison, that heightened, frenetic state is the default, 24/7 in the UK at the minute. Nobody expects healthcare professions to be without difficulties, and the very nature of the work means it will take it out of the practitioners. However, that's easier to cope with if it differs from what you always deal with. Improved Quality of LifeThe countries that British doctors and nurses are typically headed to have another thing in common. They offer improved quality of life and work-life balance. Think about the doctor who goes to Australia to work fewer hours for as good (if not better) pay and who can clock off at a reasonable hour and then pop down to the beach for a stroll or a surf. It's an enticing thought.Or the doctor who wants to go to the Middle East and experience a completely different culture. There's undoubtedly an element of "the grass is always greener" thinking going on here, but when the stresses are as significant as they are in the UK healthcare sector, currently – when the push factors are as substantial as they are – then the pull factors don't even need to be that attractive; the fact that they are only cements the attraction further.What's Being Done for Staff Retention?So, what is the UK doing to retain its healthcare professionals? A couple of months ago, the government agreed on a pay rise in which:First-year doctors in training have received a 10.3% pay rise.Junior doctors, on average, have received an 8.8% increase.Consultants have received a 6% pay rise. The government also announced a recruitment and retention drive, including more flexible working options and career development options.Browse Our Healthcare Roles!So, there you have it: the push and pull factors determining why doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals are looking overseas for work rather than staying here in the UK.Here at Sanctuary Personnel, we can help find the healthcare roles that are right for you, both domestically and internationally, so get in touch!
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6 reasons to work in the UK
Thinking of working in the UK? You’re not alone. One in six NHS staff in England report a nationality other than British. If you're looking to enhance your health or social work career, the UK is a fantastic choice. Here are just a few reasons why: 1. Job opportunitiesThe UK has a high demand for social workers and healthcare staff, which means there are plenty of job openings for those with the right qualifications and experience. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after 4 years. 2. You'll be well taken care ofSocial workers and healthcare staff in the UK are compensated well for their work. Salaries are competitive, and you'll benefit from paid annual leave, maternity pay, sick pay, and pension contributions, ensuring a good standard of living during your time here. You’ll also receive paid annual leave, giving you plenty of time to explore what the UK has to offer: Experience fun for all the family at attractions such as LEGOLAND and Chessington World of Adventures Explore the past at National Trust locations, Buckingham Palace, and Stonehenge Visit Europe – it’s easy and affordable, and you can be in Paris or Barcelona within a couple of hours! 3.Continuous learning and developmentUK employers, particularly the NHS, are known for its high-quality training and development opportunities. This includes ongoing professional development programmes, as well as the opportunity to study for additional qualifications. This means you can always stay up to date with the latest developments and advancements in your field and can further enhance your skills and knowledge as a professional. 4. A diverse and multicultural environmentThe UK is a diverse society, and you'll have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from all kinds of backgrounds. This can be an incredibly enriching experience and allow you to develop a broad understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Additionally, it can help you to understand the unique needs and requirements of different patient groups and further support your professional development. 5. Cutting-edge healthcareThe NHS is a publicly funded healthcare system that provides free healthcare to all residents in the UK, regardless of their income or immigration status. Candidates that we relocate with sponsorship are entitled to full NHS services. You can receive comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical conditions and treatments. This includes everything from preventative care and general health check-ups to specialist care and advanced treatments. 6. Quality of lifeThe UK offers a great quality of life, with a rich culture, history, and diverse geography. From the mountains of Scotland to the beaches of Cornwall, there's a lot to explore. And with great public transport, it's easy to get around. In short, the UK is a fantastic place to work in health or social work. With competitive pay, great training and development opportunities, and a diverse culture, it's an ideal place to take your career to the next level. No matter whether you’ve only just started to think about moving to the UK, or are further along in the process but haven’t found the right job, register with Sanctuary International today to find out how we can help.
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Understanding UK Tax
There are four types of taxes you will need to pay when living and working in the UK. These are VAT, Income Tax, National Insurance and Council Tax. Let’s jump in! How do UK taxes work?The tax rate in the UK is set and collected by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This organisation is responsible for calculating the tax rate and collecting taxes. HMRC is also responsible for providing funds for UK public services such as child benefits, housing benefits, and income support. Income TaxThis is payable on any money you earn above your personal allowance (a threshold set by the UK government). The UK uses a progressive tax system - this means that you pay a higher tax rate the more income you make. Any income above your personal allowance is taxed at 20%, and the next portion is taxed at a higher rate, and so on. As you earn more income, the tax rate becomes progressively higher. To find out how much your personal allowance will be, please visit HMRC’s website.The amount of tax you pay can be reduced by tax relief if you qualify. Your employer will deduct your tax payments directly from your wages through PAYE (Pay As You Earn). However, you may need to submit a tax return to HMRC if you collect rent on an overseas property. Again, HMRC will be able to help you. National InsuranceNational Insurance contributions (NICs) are also deducted from your wage through PAYE by your employer and are used to fund pensions, Jobseekers’ Allowance, maternity/paternity benefits, bereavement support and the NHS. The NIC is set up similarly to the income tax, where three income brackets determine how much you must pay monthly. You will not need to pay National Insurance if either of the following apply: You have a Portable Document A1, E101 or E102 that proves you pay National Insurance in another European Economic Area (EEA) country. You have a certificate from a country with a bilateral social security agreement with the UK. Council TaxThis is payable directly to your local council, which funds local services such as waste collection and road management. It is payable whether you own or rent your home. You will need to pay your council tax each month directly, usually by direct debit, although there are cash options too. Your bill will tell you how much to pay, how it has been calculated and when the payment deadlines are. Council tax bills are usually based on two adults sharing a property, and the price you pay will depend on your property’s tax band. If you live alone or are a single parent with a child, you will receive a 25% reduction. More information about council tax valuation bands can be found online.Value Added Tax (VAT)As you settle in the UK, you may notice the letters VAT – this stands for Value Added Tax and is a tax payment on goods and services. VAT is usually charged at 20%, although some goods and services may be as low as 5% or even 0%. Typically, VAT is included in the price that you see within shops.VAT Rate% of VATWhat it applies toStandard Rate20%Majority of goods and services.Reduced Rate5%Some goods and services like child car seats or home energy like heating.Zero Rate0%Some goods and services like children's clothing and most food.Goods deemed essential such as food and children’s clothing are exempt from these taxes to keep prices as affordable as possible. Other services that are still necessary but not as essential or more broadly affect the population, like heating, are subject to the reduced rate. Key things to rememberThe UK tax rate is set by an organisation called HMRC, which is responsible for collecting taxes to fund public services. The four main takes in the UK are income tax, National Insurance, Council Tax, and value-added tax. The UK uses a progressive tax system, meaning you will pay a higher tax rate as your income rises. The UK uses a PAYE system that automatically deducts income tax and national insurance from your monthly wage. Start your journey todayWhether you’ve only just started to think about moving to the UK or simply haven’t found the right job yet, register with Sanctuary to find out how we can help. We look forward to hearing from you!
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6 key attributes to look for in an overseas recruitment agency
Relocating to or from the UK for work is a big step, so it's important you have the right support to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing an overseas recruitment agency: 1. ReputationAn agency's reputation is a good indicator of its quality and reliability. Look for an agency with a good track record of placing candidates in jobs and testimonials to prove this.Sanctuary Personnel’s International division opened its doors for business in 2018 and has successfully placed hundreds of overseas health and social work professionals from all over the globe. 2. Industry expertiseSome agencies specialise in particular industries, such as health and social care. We recommend choosing a specialist agency as they will have experience and connections within that industry. They will also be best placed to make a direct match to your skills, knowledge, experience, and future aspirations. 3. NetworkA good recruitment agency will have a vast network of contacts and connections in various industries and countries. This will give you access to a larger pool of job opportunities and increase your chances of finding a suitable role. As a truly global network, we have dedicated worldwide resourcing partners who support our recruitment and English Language Proficiency. 4. Services offeredDifferent agencies provide different services, such as interview preparation help and comprehensive visa support. Knowledge is key when it comes to compliance - as one of NHS Employers' ethical recruiters, we recruit exclusively from WHO green list countries and ensure we understand each country’s processes. 5. Pastoral careDuring the job search and application process, you may have some questions. It's vital that the agency you choose can provide you with the necessary information to start your journey in confidence. As part of our pastoral care offering, we provide candidates with comprehensive relocation support, and our relocation team ensures candidates are looked after at every step, from greeting them at the airport to helping them source household items for their new homes. We also provide a wellbeing service, creating a stress-free experience for candidates and their families. No stone is left unturned for a happy integration into UK working life. 6. Cultural knowledge and adaptabilityFinally, an agency with knowledge about the culture of the country you are moving to and can provide guidance about cultural differences and adaptability will ensure the transition process is as simple as possible. As soon as you make contact with Sanctuary Personnel’s international division, we make it our top priority to find you a role that ticks all the boxes. For more information on relocating to the UK, read our collection of blogs or speak to a member of our international team today.
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How well do you know the job application process?
When you’re in the middle of it, the job application process can seem a little overwhelming and there are quite a few steps between you seeing a job you love and being offered the position. Before you even apply, you may have a few questions.What should I include in my application? How long should my CV be? Will I need a covering letter? How many interviews should I expect to participate in—and will testing be involved? How will the employer assess my application? And finally, how do I know if I am likely to receive a job offer?Knowing how the process works can help to ease the nerves. So, we’ve put together a quick guide that tells you everything you need to know about the job application process.Get your CV readyAll employers ask for a CV as part of your job application, so it’s essential that it’s well-organised and polished.At Sanctuary, we carefully review every CV that is sent to us, but not all recruiters or employers have the time. According to research, recruiters spend up to 7 seconds looking at a CV, which means they’re quickly scanning to see if you’re a good fit for a role.In order to pass the ‘7-second test’, you need to make sure that your CV is concise and clearly laid out so that an employer can pick out your key skills and experience quickly. Remember, some recruiters will sift through roughly 250 CVs for every job they advertise, so you want to be sure that yours matches the job description as closely as possible.In an age where personal branding is more important than ever, you may be tempted to add a photo of yourself to your CV. But this can be more harmful than you think; on average, there’s an 88% job rejection rate if you include a self-portrait. Plus, the inclusion of a photograph can sometimes alter the template of your CV when opened by the employer.Read more about what your CV should include.Write a cover letterWhen applying for a role directly, you will usually have to send in a covering letter each time you apply for a job as 53% of employers prefer candidates who have cover letters with their CVs. This can differ if you’re applying for a locum position through Sanctuary as these rarely require a covering letter. For permanent positions, your consultant will provide the employer with a detailed summary of your capabilities. It's still helpful to have a good covering letter ready, though.Your cover letter should be roughly three paragraphs long and include examples from your past experience to demonstrate why you are qualified for the role. Even if it's optional, including a cover letter is the best way to pitch your case for an interview.However, keep in mind that, on average, it takes just one or two errors for your application to be rejected. You must check to make sure that you’ve referred to practice models correctly, that your dates match up and you have no spelling or grammar mistakes. Once you’ve checked it, check it again (and then get a friend to look over it once more, just in case!)Apply for jobsYou can apply for jobs online, via email, or even in person. No matter what position you are applying for, be sure to follow the recruiter's specific directions for filling out the application.At Sanctuary, we’ve made the application process really easy. You can either apply for a job you’ve seen on our website or through a job board (e.g. Indeed). Once we have a copy of your CV and contact details, and have identified you as a strong candidate, we’ll put you forward for interview. Meanwhile, we also look for similar roles that we think you’ll be interested in, which can take a lot of the weight out of the application process.It is worth being mindful of is your online presence during this process, as some employers may have a look at your social media profile as part of their selection process. Of those that do, almost 4 in 5 say they rejected an applicant based on something they discovered online.Screening your applicationSince 250 CVs are typically submitted for each job position, with the first applications coming in on average just 200 seconds after the job is posted, employers often use applicant tracking software to recruit, screen, hire, track, and manage applicants for employment. Therefore, your application will likely be screened to determine if you are a match for the job. The software will match the information in the job applications submitted with the position requirements, so be sure to include the full titles of your job roles and qualifications rather than acronyms.ScreeningScreening can take many different forms. When applying for a frontline health or social care job, your professional registration, experience and references should sufficiently demonstrate your capabilities. Beyond this, identity and compliance checks will be carried out by the employer or recruiter to confirm your qualifications/registration and check for any criminal convictions.For non-clinical roles though, you may be expected to take a pre-employment test. These can include talent assessment tests, cognitive and personality tests, and background checks. Some tests are conducted as part of the job application process, and others will take place further along in the hiring process, after the interview and before a job offer.Interview processOn average, employers interview up to 6 candidates for each role, although this largely depends how they are choosing to recruit. If Sanctuary is recruiting exclusively for a position, you may be one of three people who have been put forward.If you have been selected for an interview, the employer can already see you being a good fit. During the interview, you will be invited to talk to the line manager, hiring manager, or employer – and sometimes all three.No matter how much interview experience you have, it’s good to be as prepared as possible. Do your research on the organisation and have a read through our interview guide, which is packed full of helpful tips. We have also prepared information on the STAR interview technique and a phone interview guide. Job offersEmployers will usually let you know within 24-48 hours, and often sooner, whether you’ve got the job. It’s a great moment when you receive the call you’ve been waiting for. All that’s left is for you to accept the position, agree a start date, review and sign your contract and hand your notice in to your current employer and prepare for your first day.Now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test…Find more careers advice here.
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Reach out to us today
To start the process of finding a UK role, please get in touch with Sanctuary International.
Alternatively, you can browse our international doctor jobs.
