At the moment, Ukrainian doctors who left for Germany as a result of the hostilities have some difficulties in obtaining a license, which has negative consequences for both them and the service sector in the country. The obstacle is the German bureaucracy, which, however, can be overcome by following a clear, legally prescribed algorithm.

Legal advice on education and employment abroad for Ukrainians

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According to a study by WELT AM SONNTAG, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, at least 1674 Ukrainian doctors have applied to the relevant German authorities for a license. So far, only 187 applications have been processed and approved, while 1402 are still pending. Experts who conducted the study believe that the reason for this is the German bureaucracy and the differentiation in responsibilities of different institutions. Read the article to find out what steps you need to take to obtain a license in Germany as quickly and conveniently as possible.

Legalization of Ukrainian doctors in Germany - the situation is critical

WELT AM SONNTAG conducted a study in 14 regions of Germany. 12 of them, with the exception of Bremen and Hesse, provided complete information, which made it possible to testify to the high level of bureaucracy that significantly restricts the rights of workers in the relevant industry. According to the doctors themselves, the period between submitting an application and obtaining a license can take from 15 months to 3 years. Such conditions apply not only to Ukrainians, but also to doctors from all non-EU countries.

Gerald Gass, head of the German Hospital Association, said in his address that bureaucracy significantly slows down the process of providing services to citizens. His opinion on Ukrainians is also unequivocal: Germany cannot afford to simply retain skilled workers at a time when their labor is in demand and needed.

Susanne Jonah, head of the Marburger Bund medical association, points to two main reasons for Germany's loss of qualified Ukrainian doctors:

- Bureaucratic obstacles;

- insufficient number of staff in government agencies.

According to DW, the next steps for Ukrainian doctors in Germany are to pass a language exam and confirm their qualifications, which can be done in two ways.

Germany has made changes to the regulation of employment of Ukrainian refugees. At the same time, this has affected unemployment benefits. Details can be found here.

What level of German language proficiency should healthcare workers have?

Most Ukrainian doctors started learning German only after they migrated. In order to communicate freely with colleagues and patients, they must have a C1 level, which can be a serious obstacle for many. The corresponding exam is administered by the Berlin Medical Association, whose chairman, Peter Bobbert, said that in 2022, 16 Ukrainian doctors confirmed their level of proficiency in the professional language, and in 2023 - 17.

Those who have already passed the exam indicate that it takes about 2 years to reach the C1 level. However, with the B2 level, it is possible to practice in German medical institutions.

Current services for learning German are available here.

How to confirm the qualification of a medical worker in Germany?

First of all, it is necessary to make an official translation of educational documents, and then send them to the state department of health and social policy of the region where the doctor is located.

Please note: Representatives of the Association of Ukrainian Doctors in Germany can help you confirm your qualifications.

The main criterion for confirming documents is their compliance with German medical standards. There are two ways to confirm a diploma.

First, a German medical expert determines whether the level of the Ukrainian diploma meets the necessary requirements.

The second way is to pass a professional exam, which is quite difficult for experienced doctors, since the questionnaire is based on university educational programs (according to Oksana Ulan, head of the Association of Ukrainian Doctors in Germany).

Confirmation of qualifications can take years, which scares doctors, because during this period they need to work somewhere outside their specialty in order not to lose their language skills.

Not only specialists have difficulties with the German medical system. Read the article to find out how Ukrainians can access medical services in Germany.

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Statistics on confirmation of qualifications of Ukrainian doctors in Berlin

The Berlin Department of Health and Social Policy reports that in 2022-2023, 76 doctors applied for confirmation of medical qualifications, of which 5 applications were withdrawn.

At the moment, the numbers are as follows:

2 - received confirmation of qualification;

8 - received a permit for temporary medical practice under certain conditions;

2 - have to undergo an additional knowledge test;

8 - are undergoing the final examination.

For more information on employment of Ukrainians with temporary protection status in different EU countries ,please follow the link.

Please note! At the moment, the issue of confirmation of qualifications for healthcare professionals who have lost their documents as a result of hostilities remains open. However, the Berlin Department of Health and Social Policy informs that there have been no such requests so far.

You may find this interesting: How can a foreign doctor get to Ukraine to help his colleagues? Read in the article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

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