The spanish ministry of health has announced an extension to the period during which individuals with medical degrees from non-EU nations may go through the recognition procedure. According to the Ministry, non-EU professionals with medical degrees may take the written and practical tests up until September 29. “The Ministry of Health extends the term of the call for the recognition of medical degrees of professionals from outside the European Union. With this measure, the Ministry prioritises the qualification of physicians to respond to the need for coverage of medical specialities,” the statement of the Ministry reads. Explaining the decision, the Ministry said that by extending the recognition period, they are attempting to allow more non-EU professionals to work in the country’s healthcare sector, following their authorisation. “After the first filter, non-EU graduates must pass the theoretical-practical test to be able to practice medicine in Spain,” the Ministry stressed. As the Ministry notes, the recognition of foreign qualifications is necessary in order to strengthen the workforce of Spain. Since the country is currently dealing with shortages in the sector, it has already started to apply new rules. Medical professionals can continue practising until the age of 70, and the country is offering training in the field, offering the highest number of places in history for the 2023-2024 call. Spain is not the only EU country dealing with labour shortages in the healthcare sector and attempting to attract foreign workers. Portugal just recently announced that the country is now offering a €2,863 gross salary to doctors from Brazil. As the Portuguese authorities have explained, they are offering this salary to doctors from Brazil in an attempt to attract them to the country amid the ongoing shortage in the healthcare sector. All those doctors who get a job will be offered a contract valid for a period of three years. Moreover, it has been revealed that doctors from Brazil will mainly be working in the regions of Alentejo and Algarve and Lisbon and Vale. In line with the contract they get offered, doctors from Brazil will have to work 40 hours a week. Similarly, Germany is also dealing with shortages in the healthcare sector, and the country has already signed a declaration with Brazil. By signing this declaration, the two countries have agreed to apply facilitated rules for skilled workers who wish to work in each other’s territory. Germany said that they are mainly focused on attracting more nurses. Nonetheless, doctors are needed.