The President of the Association of Irish Pakistani Physicians and Surgeons (AIPPS), Mr Nauman Nabi, held a productive meeting with Her Excellency Ms Mary O’Neill, Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan, to discuss a range of issues affecting Pakistani healthcare professionals seeking to work and settle in Ireland.
During the meeting, Mr Nabi briefed the Ambassador on the objectives, achievements and ongoing work of AIPPS, including its efforts to support Pakistani doctors and other healthcare professionals in Ireland, advocate on issues affecting their professional journeys, and promote meaningful cooperation between the healthcare communities of Pakistan and Ireland.
A key concern raised during the discussion was the delay in visa processing for doctors who have already secured employment contracts and work permits from Irish hospitals. Such delays can create significant uncertainty for both healthcare professionals and their prospective employers and may prevent suitably qualified doctors from taking up positions within the Irish healthcare system in a timely manner.
The discussion also addressed delays in visa applications for parents and other family members. This can be particularly challenging for healthcare professionals who rely on family support during important periods of their lives. Mr Nabi highlighted the difficulties that can arise for female healthcare professionals following childbirth when parents are unable to travel to Ireland in time to provide family support.
Another important area explored during the meeting was the possibility of developing a clear and sustainable pathway for qualified Pakistani nurses and midwives wishing to pursue professional opportunities in Ireland. Pakistani healthcare professionals have the potential to make an important contribution to the Irish health service, and greater clarity around professional, regulatory and immigration pathways could benefit both prospective applicants and the Irish healthcare system.
Her Excellency listened to the concerns raised during the meeting and indicated that the matters discussed would be highlighted with the relevant authorities. The meeting provided an important opportunity to bring practical challenges experienced by Pakistani healthcare professionals and their families to the attention of Ireland’s diplomatic representation in Pakistan.
AIPPS welcomed the Ambassador’s engagement and positive response and expressed hope that continued dialogue will contribute to smoother professional and immigration pathways for doctors, nurses, midwives and their families, while strengthening healthcare cooperation and wider relations between Pakistan and Ireland.
The meeting reflects AIPPS’s continuing commitment to representing the interests of Pakistani healthcare professionals, engaging constructively with relevant authorities, and supporting initiatives that can improve professional opportunities and collaboration between the two countries.
