Middle East Healthcare Professionals Licensing Guide

Healthcare professionals, including Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists (DPTs), and Allied Healthcare workers, pursuing careers in the Middle East—specifically in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain—are required to complete the respective country's licensing process. This process is mandatory, and only after fulfilling the specific criteria set by the health authority of each country will professionals be eligible to apply for jobs. Each country has distinct requirements for documents, experience, and fees. Completing the licensing process for one country’s health authority in the Middle East does not make you eligible to apply for jobs in another country.

Licensing Process Overview

Generally, the licensing process in the Middle East involves three key steps, which are fairly uniform across healthcare professions. However, variations exist in fees, experience, and document requirements. The process typically takes 2 to 3 months to complete. The three main steps are:

1. DataFlow (Primary Source Verification)

This step involves the verification of Healthcare professionals' documents and credentials from their primary source. The DataFlow Group, a third-party organization, verifies the required documents with the issuing authority and submits a report to the health authority to which the candidate has applied. Candidates also receive a copy of this report. Only documents verified through DataFlow are accepted by the relevant health authority. 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: If you have completed the DataFlow process for one health authority and wish to apply to another authority within the same country or a different Middle Eastern country, you do not need to repeat the DataFlow verification. You can simply transfer your previous DataFlow report, saving both time and money. However, if the new health authority requires additional documents, those will need to be verified through DataFlow.

2. Registration/Classification

In this step, candidates create an account with the respective country’s health authority for registration by providing the relevant information. In Saudi Arabia, this process is called “𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧” where candidates are assigned a specific professional title based on their qualifications and experience. For example, physicians may be classified as junior or senior registrars, specialists, or consultants.

3. Exams/Oral Assessments

After completing DataFlow and registration, candidates become eligible to take the licensing Exam or Oral assessment. The type of exam—written or oral—is determined by the health authority. Upon passing, candidates receive an eligibility or registration letter, allowing them to apply for jobs in that country.

Additional Notes:

The typical order of the licensing process is: DataFlow, Registration/Classification, and then the Exam/Oral Assessment. However, in some countries, such as Dubai (DHA), Oman, and Qatar, candidates may take the exam before completing DataFlow and registration, or they may proceed with both simultaneously. In Saudi Arabia, it is possible for candidates to secure jobs before completing the licensing process. In such cases, employers may allow candidates to start working under a provisional license, but obtaining a valid final license is ultimately mandatory within 1 year of employment.