Qualification Equivalence for Immigrant Doctors

The purpose of this project, first launched in 2003, is to support the professional integration and incorporation into the Portuguese National Health System of 150 immigrant doctors.

Between 2002 and 2005 the project succeeded in integrating 106 doctors of several nationalities who were working in areas such as construction and gastronomy, into the Portuguese NHS.

Provided they are residing legally in Portugal, the project provides immigrants who are trained doctors with access to support in qualification equivalence processes so that they can practice their profession.

During the qualification recognition process, support is granted in various forms – from grants for internships and Portuguese language courses to financial aid for books, documentation and enrolment in the Portuguese Medical Association. This project is a joint venture between the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Ministry of Health and the Jesuit Refugee Service.