Up to 500 IMGs are currently living in Australia but unable to work as doctors because of red tape, the AMA claims. 

It is has now asked Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to unlock what it describes as an “untapped” workforce, which is made up of doctors who have passed Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams but are yet to secure medical registration.

“A substantial group of these doctors would have general practice experience already [and] will want a career in general practice,” says AMA president Dr Omar Khorshid.

“This would be a source of additional people to enter into the general practice workforce in the next few years.”