Why Healthcare Recruitment in the Gulf Takes Time (and Patience)
Embarking on a healthcare career in the Arabian Gulf Region is more than just a job move—it’s a life changing decision. Whether you’re a nurse or a physician from Canada, USA, UK or any other country, the allure of working in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, or in Qatar comes with professional growth, adventure, and financial stability.
But here’s the truth: this process takes time and at IHR, we’re upfront about that. The journey from sending your CV to signing that employment contract isn’t a matter of days or even a couple of weeks—it can take a few months, up to 6 months, in most cases.
Why? Because governments in the Arabian Gulf Region hold healthcare to high standards and, because things work differently there.
So, let’s explain the process step by step, based on what we’ve seen and learned as experts in this field.
The Complex Recruitment Landscape
Governments in the Arabian Gulf Region are investing billions of Dollars into healthcare infrastructure—new hospitals, advanced medical cities, and centers of excellence are being built at record pace. With this expansion comes opportunity, but also intense scrutiny. Every candidate must meet strict benchmarks for education and experience based on criteria stipulated y relevant health authorities of that country.
At IHR, we see the full picture, after all we have been providing our services to these countries for over 30 years now. We work with top-tier institutions that won’t compromise on quality, and that means the hiring process involves layers of checks. It’s not bureaucracy for the sake of it—it’s about protecting patients and ensuring top-notch care.
Why Patience Is Key?
Credential Verification and Licensing
This is the first and often the longest hurdle. Before any hospital can hire a healthcare professional, they must secure approval from the relevant health authority confirming the candidate will be eligible for licensure upon arrival. —Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS), Department of Health (DOH) in Qatar, Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi in UAE) depending on the destination.
This step involves:
- A Primary source verification of your degrees, qualifications, license and employment.
- Certificate attestations (depending on your country obtained degrees from),
- Professional exams or Prometric tests (in some cases),
- Gathering letters of experience, good standing certificates etc.
IHR Insight: When you work with us, we handle the paperwork for you. We collect the required documents, submit them for verification, and then proceed with the submission to the relevant health authority—ensuring you get the documents needed for your professional license. No guesswork! No wasted time! AND, when you are our candidate with secured job offer, we pay for it.
Recruitment and Interview Coordination
Hospitals often coordinate interviews across different time zones, usually with department heads and HR.
IHR Insight: We handle all coordination—scheduling, follow-ups, and more. We also provide insights and tips before your interview, so you know what to expect.
Regulatory and Visa Processes
Once Health Authority confirms your eligibility to be licensed, the hospital will arrange for your work visa, depending on country, this includes:
- Pre-employment health screening,
- Security and background clearance,
Each of these steps follows strict government timelines that cannot be expedited by any agency or hospital. However, a reliable agency like IHR can actively manage the process, ensuring steady progress and promptly identifying any potential issues before they cause delays.
Cultural and Administrative Adjustments
You’re not just starting a new job—you’re entering a new culture. Hospitals offer onboarding orientation sessions to help you adjust to:
- Housing, transport, and family relocation.
- Local workplace and country culture,
- Relevant local holidays and schedules,
These steps take time—but they’re essential to making sure you’re comfortable and set up for success.
How to Prepare and Speed Up the Process
- Start early: Begin gathering and verifying your documents as soon as possible.
- Stay organized: Keep digital and hard copies of all credentials, licenses, and certificates ready for submission.
- Work with trusted agencies: Choose recruiters with a proven track record in the Gulf to avoid scams and unnecessary delays.
- Be proactive: Complete mandatory exams and verification requirements early in the process.
- Prepare for interviews: Research employers, practice scenario-based questions, and highlight your adaptability and cultural awareness
Healthcare recruitment in the Gulf is thorough by design, prioritizing patient safety and quality care. While the process can be lengthy IHR will support you every step of the way! Even after you start your new role in the Arabian Gulf region, we remain available to assist and provide guidance whenever you need it, that way you can navigate the journey with confidence and set yourself up for a successful career in one of the world’s most dynamic healthcare markets.