As a candidate, do you charge me a fee for your recruitment services?

No. Latitudes is a fully registered and professional Employment Agency, and must abide by a code of conduct. Under this code, we are strictly prohibited to charge a candidate a fee for the recruitment services that we provide. If, however, you engage us to provide services outside of the recruitment process, then a fee may be payable. This would be discussed prior to incurring any liability.

Why do the destinations you service need additional health professionals?

In general, there is a high worldwide demand for health professionals.

There are many different reasons why our destinations require additional personnel. In a country the size of Australia, it is mainly due to unequal distribution of the medical workforce. In New Zealand, factors such as unequal distribution are compounded by the “brain drain” of New Zealand qualified doctors to other parts of the world. In the Middle East, the need is generated by a rapid expansion in population and the scope of medical services being offered.

There is no simple answer to this question, however rest assured that you will be a welcome and invaluable addition to the medical workforce.

What level of health professional do you recruit?

Our services cover nearly all categories and levels of employment in the health profession including doctors, nurses and allied health, encompassing permanent, contract and locum positions, depending on the services that we porovide in our destinations.

What’s involved in applying?

For Latitudes to best be of assistance, we would ask that you send us your details and CV by registering with us online. This is the best way to give us the information we need to assess the level of assistance we are likely to be able to provide. Registration is quick and easy, and can be done here.

Why should I complete your online registration?

Completing our online registration provides you the opportunity to give us the information we need to assess the level of assistance we will be able to provide to you.

Is the information I provide to you private?

We are bound by Australian and United Kingdom privacy legislation and encourage you to read our privacy statement if you have any concerns about this.

Will I be eligible for professional registration with my current qualifications and experience?

Your eligibility will depend on the position and country for which you have applied for.

Do I need to do an English test?

If you are from a country whose native or first language (as opposed to official) is NOT English, then you will most likely be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.

In the Gulf states, it is generally a requirement of our company that you may be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.

How long is the average assignment?

For permanent recruitment, the vast majority of our assigments are 12 months duration, however some contracts are shorter, say 6 months, and some can be up to 3 or 4 years.

If you are considering locuming, then the majority of the placements we assist with are from 4 – 12 weeks. Again, locum contract outside these timeframes do occur from time to time.

Who will pay for relocation?

This often depends on the location and the level of appointment. Most of our clients assist foreign doctors with their relocation expenses. The amount reimbursed depends on the policies of the individual facility and is usually done at the END of the contract period. It is always advisable to discuss this with your Latitudes Consultant.

Will accommodation be supplied?

This very much depends on your chosen location and the level at which you are appointed. In general, you can expect the following:

Australia and New Zealand – The level of accommodation and assistance provided depends on the facility and the category of practitioner you are. Some facilities pay doctors an accommodation allowance regardless of category but this mostly applies just to consultant specialists. Almost all our clients will provide some form of temporary accommodation when you first arrive. This can include staff quarters at a hospital, furnished apartments or hotels/motels. Of course, the client will be happy to assist you and your family settle in to Australia and is generally very helpful in this respect.

In the Gulf regions, accommodation can range from you having to locate suitable arrangements yourself, to living in compound accommodation within hospital grounds.

In other locations, this will be discussed prior to your acceptance of an appointment.

What are the employment arrangements?

For permanent recruitment, Latitudes acts only as the recrutiment agent, and thus you are employed by the hospital or facility for which you work. If you are locuming, then there are a variety of arrangements that can be entered into, including Latitudes acting as your direct employer and sponsor for visa purposes if applicable.

What about medical indemnity insurance?

Unless you are otherwise advised, medical indemnity insurance will be provided by your employer.

Can I bring my family with me?

Of course you can!! Most doctors who choose to work in our destinations also bring their families. It is a great opportunity to become familiar with a different way of life – a life enriching experience!

However, some Gulf states do not cater well for families, as often you are housed in a compound on the hospital grounds. Areas such as UAE cater for families well.

Will my spouse or children be able to work?

Again, this depends on your chosen destination. Please check with your Latitudes Consultant for more information.

Will we be able to bring our pets?

Quarantine regulations vary greatly throughout the countries we provide services to, and it depends on where you are now, and where you are intending to go. If your intention is to bring pets with you, please ensure that you bring this to the attention of your Latitudes consultant, and they will provide you with information about the possibility of bringing your pets, however as a general rule, we advise that it is best not to include your pets in your plans.

I’m close to retirement. Will I be able to secure work opportunities?

And we, and many of our clients, want your experience!! There is no age limit to working temporarily in any of the locations that we supply.

What medical insurance is there for me and my family?

This depends on the destination that you chose, however in nearly all our destinations you will have the option of provate health insurance or employer funded health plans.

Please discuss this further with your Latitudes Consultant.

Can you find a job for my partner as well?

We specialise only in recruitment in the medical fields, so if your partner is also in the medical field, we will be most happy to be of assistance. However we are happy to be of assistance as best we can to help your partner locate opportunities outside this area.

Who pays my salary?

For permanent recruitment, Latitudes acts only as the recruitment agent, and thus you are employed by the hospital or facility for which you work. Therefore it is the facility that is responsible to pay your salary. If you are locuming, then there are a variety of arrangements that can be entered into, including Latitudes acting as your direct employer and sponsor for visa purposes if applicable.

What will I get paid?

You will be paid the same as a locally trained doctor. We ensure that you are treated equally.

What are the schools like?

The schools are equal to those in any other first world country, if not better. There are also many excellent private schools, should you wish to send your child to a non-government institution.

How can I obtain permanent residency in my chosen destination?

This varies on the location you have chosen, however, apart from the Gulf regions, obtaining permanent residency is both possible and achievable. Additional information is available from Latitudes Migration Services.

Can I commence/complete my training?

This is specific to your personal situation and stage of your career, so it is best to discuss this with your Latitudes Consultant.

How much time should I allow from receiving a job offer to starting work?

This varies from country to country, however as a general rule, you should allow between 3-5 months for non-specialist positions, and more for specialist level posts. As the processes vary between the specialties and countries, it is best to discuss this with your Latitudes Consultant.

When should I resign my current post?

This is also dependent on what notice you are required to give.

Once your offer of a position has been confirmed, and you have signed and accepted the position, it is quite appropriate to resign your position, bearing in mind the timeframe for all the paperwork to be completed. Please appreciate that we would not have put you forward, nor would you have been offered a position if we, or the employer were concerned that you would not obtain professional registration and a visa. It is also dependent on what notice you are required to give.