Zimbabwe blocks 4 000 nurses from migrating to UK jobs

The Zimbabwean government has blocked over 4 000 local nurses from taking up jobs in the United Kingdom, saying the move is necessary to prevent further strain on the country’s already fragile public healthcare system.

The migration of healthcare workers continues to rise

According to ZimbabweMail, officials say the decision aims to address growing staff shortages and maintain essential services under pressure from a rising disease burden.

The move comes as Zimbabwe continues to lose healthcare professionals to countries such as the UK, Australia, and Canada.

Low wages, poor working conditions, and limited career growth have pushed many to seek better opportunities abroad.

Thousands have already left the country in recent years.

Authorities tighten vetting procedures

According to a senior Ministry of Health and Child Care official, the government has temporarily halted the issuance of verification letters required for nurses to work abroad, particularly in the UK.

“We recognise their right to seek opportunities, but we must also keep our hospitals running,” the official said.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has actively recruited nurses from Zimbabwe through a bilateral agreement that initially aimed to support development goals.

However, Zimbabwean officials have raised concerns that the arrangement is being used to poach critical staff rather than foster mutual benefits.

Hospitals under severe strain

The Health Services Board has warned that the ongoing departure of nurses is undermining operations at major referral hospitals such as Parirenyatwa, Mpilo, and Harare Central.

The impact has been even more severe in rural health centres, where resources are already stretched thin.

In response, the government is reviewing measures to retain healthcare professionals.

Proposed strategies include retention allowances, improved working conditions, and expanded training opportunities.

Authorities are also considering revising international migration agreements to include return service obligations or compensation clauses.

Nurses’ unions criticise restrictions

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has condemned the government’s decision. Calling it a short-term measure that fails to address systemic problems.

“The state cannot force professionals to stay in a broken system,” a ZINA spokesperson said. “If working conditions and pay were fair, nurses would not be desperate to leave.”

Do you think governments should have the right to stop professionals from migrating?

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