Changes to the Atypical Working Scheme for Locum Doctors

25 Nov 2019

Amendments to the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) applicable to Locum Doctors have been announced. These amendments, announced by the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Health, are designed to support the recruitment and retention of non-EEA locum doctors to work within the Primary Care Services across the country, particularly within the General Practitioner Out of Hours Services.  

The amendments will allow doctors to take up consecutive contracts and to leave the State during their time working here.

Key changes:

  • Locum doctors on the atypical working scheme (AWS) may re-apply immediately after the existing 90 days has elapsed. 
  • Locum Doctors on the scheme will be allowed intermittent travel as part of their permission, up to a maximum of 14 days in any one permission period 

For more information

Read Department of Justice and Equality Press Release: The Department of Justice and Equality and the HSE announce changes to the Atypical Working Scheme for Locum Doctors

Specific details and conditions around the amendments to the scheme are available here.