​The GMC says


​FAQ: I'm moving abroad, what do I need to do?
​


​"​We expect you to collect supporting information from practice you undertake in the UK.

Only in exceptional circumstances would a doctor with supporting information drawn wholly or substantively from overseas practice be able to maintain their UK licence to practise.

Responsible officers or suitable persons may decide to accept supporting information from overseas practice if they are satisfied that it meets the same standards as those expected in the UK and so gives them assurance about your continued fitness to practise.

​Speak to your responsible officer or suitable person if you intend to practise overseas while holding a UK licence to practise."
Plan your re-entry
"The golden rule when planning to spend time outside the UK is to plan your re-entry before going.

Please contact your responsible officer (usually via your appraisal team) for advice at least three months before you leave.

If your plans change while you are away, contact [the team] to discuss.​"
​Guidance for a GP planning to spend time abroad (ROAN, April 2018)
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Doing NHS work from abroad
​NHS work can be done from abroad although there are information governance and contract issues (which are the responsibility of the employing organisation.)

If a doctor is doing any UK medical work from abroad requiring a UK medical license, they must have a UK appraisal.

If doctors are doing no UK medical work, then they should maintain contact during this time with the appraisal team.

They are allowed one ‘approved missed’ appraisal, but should have an appraisal in the second year. Tthe timing of this will be advised by the appraisal team on an individual basis.

If there is a longer absence, the doctor should not be included on the performers list as to be on the performers list a doctor should do annual NHS GP work.

If you are on a sabbatical break, please let the admin team know where and for how long (even if it doesn’t affect your appraisal due date). 
GP Recruitment Hub schemes
GP Return to Practice scheme  (Health Education England)
​
The NHS GP Return to Practice (RtP) programme provides a safe, supported pathway for qualified GPs to return to NHS General Practice after an absence of more than 2 years.


​The International Induction Pathway (Health Education England)

​The International Induction Programme (IIP) provides a supported pathway for overseas qualified GPs to be inducted safely into NHS General Practice.

The GP Recruitment Hub has details of the latest schemes to help GPs return to practice in the UK after an absence of 2 years or more.
​​For more information visit the General Practice National Recruitment Office.


​MORE Frequently asked questions...