For the health workforce, internationally qualified health practitioners (IQHPs) have, for many years, played an important role in supplementing the domestic workforce, especially in areas of shortage.

However, the Review has found that the end-to-end journey for IQHPs is long, complex and costly. Australia is often no longer the country of choice for IQHPs due to perceived barriers, costs and uncertainties in the migration and registration processes.

A survey of over 1,700 IQHPs who have come to Australia from 2017 onwards informs much of the analysis and findings of this report, including time spent and costs incurred at each stage of the journey and reported impacts to mental health, employment and social belonging in Australia. The survey conducted aimed to get a view of the true time and cost burdens for IQHPs to become registered in Australia. Rather than compare this view to an expected journey length and cost, an analysis of the survey results identifies key pain points for targeting.

The Review has identified several potential changes to the current regulatory system which are underscored by the following key characteristics: • Risk-based – patient safety and quality of care are paramount and kept front of mind

• Best-practice – regular benchmarking against domestic and international best practice where relevant for the Australian context

• Clear, evidence-based and cost-effective – evidence-based requirements are fit-for purpose and maximise simplicity and low cost where possible

• Responsive – the health system’s needs and priorities are supported

• Stewardship – the impact on the system as a whole is considered

Several recommendations, which focus on eliminating key pain points, can be put in place to increase the efficiency of the system, and reduce the economic burden of the current system.