Employers FAQ
Answers to your hiring questions
Do I need to pass the MCHK Licensing Examination and complete 6–12 months of internship?
Yes, if you are a non-locally trained medical graduate without a recognized medical qualification, you are generally required to pass the Licensing Examination of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) and subsequently complete a period of assessment (internship) to practice medicine in Hong Kong.
Eligibility Criteria for the Licensing Examination:
To be eligible to sit for the MCHK Licensing Examination, you must:
- Medical Training: Have satisfactorily completed not less than five years of full-time medical training of a type approved by the Council, including a period of internship as approved by the Council.
- Medical Qualification: Hold a medical qualification acceptable to the Council.
- Character Assessment: Be of good character.
The Licensing Examination comprises three parts:
- Part I: Examination in Professional Knowledge.
- Part II: Proficiency Test in Medical English.
- Part III: Clinical Examination.
Candidates must pass all three parts to proceed to the internship phase.
Internship (Period of Assessment):
After passing the Licensing Examination, you are required to undergo a period of assessment in approved hospitals. This period is typically 12 months but may vary based on individual circumstances.
Alternative Pathways:
If you possess a medical qualification recognized by the MCHK, you may be eligible for Special Registration, allowing you to practice in specific institutions without taking the Licensing Examination. A list of recognized medical qualifications is available on the MCHK website.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information, please refer to the Medical Council of Hong Kong's official guidelines.
Is my practice limited to specific institutions, and must it be renewed every 3 years?
Yes, under Limited Registration in Hong Kong, your medical practice is confined to specific institutions, and the registration must be renewed periodically.
Practice Limitations:
Under Limited Registration, non-locally trained doctors are permitted to practice exclusively within designated institutions. These typically include:Regierungsinformationen Hongkong
- The Hospital Authority
- The Department of Health
- The University of Hong Kong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
This means you are authorized to practice only within the institution specified in your registration, and cannot engage in private practice or work outside these designated settings.
Renewal Period:
The duration of Limited Registration is typically up to three years. Upon expiry, you may apply for renewal, with each renewal also valid for up to three years.
Renewal Process:
To renew your Limited Registration, you must:
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the "Application for Renewal of Limited Registration" form clearly and in BLOCK letters. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be processed.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Provide photocopies of:
- Identity document (e.g., Hong Kong Identity Card or passport)
- Qualification certificate
- Certificate of registration or other evidence of your registration with a medical authority outside Hong Kong at the date of the application for limited registration
- Proof of adequate and relevant full-time post-qualification clinical experience
- Identity document (e.g., Hong Kong Identity Card or passport)
- Submit the Application: Send the completed form and supporting documents to the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) for processing.
Important Considerations:
- Timely Renewal: Ensure you submit your renewal application before your current registration expires to maintain uninterrupted practice rights.
- Continued Eligibility: You must continue to meet all eligibility criteria for Limited Registration, including employment with an approved institution and adherence to any conditions specified by the MCHK.
For detailed information and access to the necessary forms, refer to the Medical Council of Hong Kong's official guidelines.
Adhering to these guidelines ensures compliance with Hong Kong's medical regulations and supports the continuity of your medical practice within the specified institutions.
Must I work in public healthcare for 5 years before converting to full registration?
The requirement to work in public healthcare for five years before obtaining full registration in Hong Kong applies primarily to the Special Registration pathway. However, there are alternative routes to full registration that do not mandate this five-year service.
Special Registration Pathway:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Possess a recognized medical qualification awarded by a non-local medical school.
- Hold medical registration in the country where the qualification was obtained.
- Obtain a specialist qualification awarded or recognized by the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (HKAM).
- Process:
- Secure a full-time job offer in a public healthcare institution in Hong Kong under special registration.
- Serve in this capacity for at least five years.
- Transition to Full Registration:
- After fulfilling the five-year service requirement and obtaining the necessary specialist qualifications, you may apply for full registration with the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) without the need to pass the Licensing Examination.
This pathway is detailed in the Medical Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2021.
Alternative Pathways to Full Registration:
- Licensing Examination Pathway:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Possess a medical degree from a recognized medical school.
- Have completed a period of internship or equivalent practical training.
- Process:
- Pass the Licensing Examination conducted by the MCHK.
- Upon passing, complete a period of assessment (internship) in approved hospitals in Hong Kong.
- Outcome:
- After successful completion of the assessment, apply for full registration with the MCHK.
- Eligibility Criteria:
This pathway allows non-locally trained doctors to achieve full registration without the five-year public healthcare service requirement.
Important Considerations:
- Recognition of Qualifications: Ensure that your medical and specialist qualifications are recognized by the relevant Hong Kong authorities, such as the MCHK and HKAM.
- Employment in Approved Institutions: Employment must be secured in institutions approved by the MCHK for the purpose of special registration.
- Continuous Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development and training to meet the standards expected by Hong Kong's medical regulatory bodies.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information, refer to the Medical Council of Hong Kong's official guidelines on registration requirements.
These alternative pathways provide flexibility for non-locally trained doctors seeking full registration in Hong Kong, accommodating various qualifications and professional experiences.
Does my qualification allow direct registration without an exam (Recognized Qualifications Pathway)?
If your medical qualification is listed among the recognized medical qualifications by the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK), you may be eligible for special registration without the need to pass the Licensing Examination. This pathway facilitates the practice of non-locally trained doctors in Hong Kong's public healthcare institutions.
Eligibility Criteria for Special Registration:
- Recognized Medical Qualification:
- Your medical degree must be included in the MCHK's list of recognized medical qualifications. This list is periodically updated and published in the Gazette.
- Medical Registration:
- You should hold valid medical registration in the country or territory where your medical qualification was awarded.
- Employment Offer:
- Secure a full-time job offer from a public healthcare institution in Hong Kong, such as the Hospital Authority, the Department of Health, The University of Hong Kong, or The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Pathway to Full Registration:
Under the special registration pathway, after serving in a public healthcare institution for a specified period and obtaining a recognized specialist qualification, you may apply for full registration without the need to pass the Licensing Examination.
Important Considerations:
- Verification: Ensure your medical qualification is listed in the most recent MCHK's recognized qualifications list.
- Continuous Updates: The list of recognized qualifications is subject to updates; regularly consult the MCHK website for the latest information.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information, refer to the Medical Council of Hong Kong's official guidelines on special registration.
Do I have to complete primary-source verification through MCHK?
Yes, primary-source verification is a crucial component of the medical registration process in Hong Kong. The Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) mandates that all applicants, particularly international medical graduates (IMGs), undergo a thorough verification process to ensure the authenticity of their medical credentials.
Verification Process:
- Document Submission:
- Applicants must submit copies of essential documents, including their medical diploma, transcripts, and, if applicable, certificates of postgraduate training or specialist qualifications.
- Primary-Source Verification:
- The MCHK requires that these documents undergo primary-source verification. This process involves confirming the authenticity of each credential directly with the issuing institution.
- Verification Agencies:
- While the MCHK oversees the registration process, it may utilize services like the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) provided by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for credential verification. EPIC offers a secure, web-based platform for primary-source verification, ensuring that the credentials are genuine and issued by recognized institutions.
Purpose of Primary-Source Verification:
This rigorous verification process serves to maintain the integrity of Hong Kong's healthcare system by:
- Ensuring Authenticity: Confirming that all medical practitioners possess valid and recognized qualifications.
- Protecting Public Safety: Preventing individuals with fraudulent credentials from practicing medicine, thereby safeguarding patient welfare.
- Upholding Professional Standards: Maintaining high standards within the medical profession by ensuring that all practitioners have met the necessary educational and training requirements.
Additional Considerations:
- Processing Time: The primary-source verification process can be time-consuming, as it relies on responses from various institutions worldwide. Applicants are advised to initiate this process well in advance of their intended practice start date.
- Associated Costs: There may be fees associated with the verification services, depending on the agency utilized.
For detailed and up-to-date information on the verification process and requirements, applicants should consult the Medical Council of Hong Kong's official guidelines.
Will I need Cantonese proficiency to work in public healthcare?
While proficiency in Cantonese has traditionally been important for medical practitioners in Hong Kong's public healthcare system, recent policy changes have relaxed this requirement to attract more qualified professionals.
Current Language Requirements:
- Hospital Authority (HA) Policy: As of April 2023, the Hospital Authority no longer mandates Cantonese proficiency for hiring medical staff in public hospitals and clinics. The focus has shifted towards assessing qualifications and clinical skills.
Practical Considerations:
- Patient Communication: The majority of patients in Hong Kong's public hospitals communicate primarily in Cantonese or Mandarin. While medical records and documentation are typically in English, direct consultations often occur in these local languages.
- Clinical Interactions: Effective communication with patients is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Non-Cantonese-speaking doctors may face challenges in understanding patient histories and conveying medical advice without language support.
Support Measures:
- Language Training: Non-local medical practitioners are encouraged to undertake Cantonese language courses to enhance their communication skills with patients.
- Interpretation Services: Some public healthcare institutions may provide interpretation services to assist non-Cantonese-speaking staff, though the availability and immediacy of such services can vary.
Conclusion:
While Cantonese proficiency is no longer a strict requirement for employment in Hong Kong's public healthcare system, acquiring basic Cantonese skills is highly beneficial for effective patient care and professional integration.
Do I need a confirmed job offer before applying for full registration or a visa?
Yes, securing a confirmed job offer is typically a prerequisite for both obtaining a work visa and applying for certain types of medical registration in Hong Kong.
Work Visa Requirements:
- General Employment Policy (GEP): Under Hong Kong's GEP, applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a sponsoring employer in Hong Kong. The job should be relevant to the applicant's qualifications and work experience, and the remuneration package must be in line with local standards.
Medical Registration Requirements:
- Limited Registration: Non-locally trained doctors can practice in Hong Kong under limited registration, provided they have secured employment with approved institutions such as the Hospital Authority, Department of Health, or local universities. A confirmed job offer from one of these institutions is essential for this registration pathway.
Exceptions:
- Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): Introduced on December 28, 2022, the TTPS allows certain highly qualified individuals to apply for a visa without a prior job offer. Eligibility criteria include:
- An annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more.
- A degree from one of the top 100 universities globally, plus three years of work experience over the past five years.
- A degree from one of the top 100 universities globally without the requisite work experience (subject to an annual quota).
However, it's important to note that while the TTPS facilitates entry into Hong Kong, it does not grant immediate eligibility to practice medicine. Medical practitioners must still comply with the Medical Council of Hong Kong's registration requirements, which may include securing employment and passing relevant examinations.
Conclusion:
For most medical professionals aiming to practice in Hong Kong, obtaining a confirmed job offer is a critical step before applying for both a work visa and medical registration. While certain visa schemes like the TTPS offer flexibility regarding the job offer requirement, they do not replace the need to fulfill the Medical Council's criteria for medical practice.
