The recent South Africa roadshow was eye-opening in more ways than one. From the sheer number of doctors keen on moving to Ireland to some unexpected insights about what’s driving them to consider the move – here’s what stood out:
1. A Surge of Interest in Relocating to Ireland
“I was surprised at the level of good quality doctors who are unemployed in South Africa, but in particular in Cape Town,” Shirley O Sullivan from MatchMedics shared. The volume of interest in moving to Ireland is massive, especially among those who are highly trained but facing career stagnation. With such a broad range of medical experiences under their belts, South African doctors can adapt quickly to Ireland’s healthcare system. “They’re acting as a GP, but they’re also treating gunshot wounds, delivering babies – the whole lot. It just makes them such fantastic all-rounders,” she said.
For South African doctors considering relocating to Ireland, the combination of exceptional training and extensive experience makes them a valuable asset to the Irish healthcare system.
2. Shifts in Motivation – From Personal Safety to Career Stagnation
Safety concerns have always been a major driver for doctors leaving South Africa. But there’s a new twist – career stagnation. “There was a lot more of career stagnation reasons now as to why they’re planning to leave South Africa and move overseas to further their medical careers,” Shirley noted.
This shift is significant, as it highlights how professionals are now seeking not just safety but also career growth opportunities that Ireland can provide. For doctors in South Africa, relocating to Ireland could be a strategic move for advancing their careers while securing a safer environment for their families.
3. Addressing Common Concerns About Relocation to Ireland
Shirley fielded plenty of questions from doctors during the roadshow, including some surprising ones:
- Finances: “They always worry that they won’t have enough money. My answer to that is … they will be fine.” With GP salaries in Ireland averaging around €100,000 annually, relocating doctors can maintain a comfortable standard of living.
- Cars & Transportation: “They’ve gorgeous cars down there and they’d like to ship it. I always have to tell them they can’t because the import tax would be huge.” For those making the move, it’s often more practical to purchase a vehicle in Ireland.
- Education: South Africans are used to paying for private schooling, so the fact that public schools in Ireland are top-notch comes as a pleasant surprise. “It’s incredibly refreshing that they don’t have to do that here – that they can rely on the state to give their children great education.”
- Employment for Spouses: Spouses often ask, “What will my partner do for a living?”. Shirley recommends using recruiters to help spouses navigate the job market, especially those on the Stamp 1G visa, which permits work without a specific permit. She adds “yesterday I was speaking to a South African doctor, and her husband is an accountant, so I gave them one of the other recruitment agencies details, and I said, get your husband to start there. And I would always recommend the spouses would use a recruiter rather than trying to apply directly.”
Why Ireland? The Opportunity for South African Doctors
Ireland offers South African doctors a unique combination of career advancement, quality of life, and a safe, family-friendly environment. With high demand for skilled medical professionals, opportunities for career growth, and a welcoming community, Ireland is becoming a top destination for doctors from South Africa.
For more insights and updates from the South Africa roadshow, stay tuned – there’s more to come!