US eases visa rules for foreign doctors

In a recent move, the United States has relaxed its visa rule for foreign doctors, giving relief to many who were facing uncertainty due to the visa processing freeze. Earlier, the policy had stopped visa extensions, work permits and green card processing for people from 39 countries, which also affected many doctors working in US hospitals. 

The US government has now quietly updated its rules and removed doctors from this restriction. As per reports, officials said that applications related to medical professionals will continue to be processed. This means foreign doctors can now continue their jobs without fear of losing their work status.

Reportedly, several doctors were earlier put on leave, and some were even at risk of losing their jobs because their visas were not getting approved on time. Hospitals were also facing difficulties as they depend on foreign doctors for regular healthcare services.

This change has come at an important time because the US is already facing a shortage of doctors. As per reports, the country may face a shortage of around 65,000 doctors in the coming years. Foreign doctors make up nearly 25% of the total medical workforce and mostly work in areas like family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.

 Many medical organisations had raised concerns about the visa freeze, warning that it could affect healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Experts have welcomed this decision and said skilled doctors should be allowed to work, no matter which country they come from.

Overall, the new rule has given relief to many foreign doctors and will help the US healthcare systems continue its services smoothly.