If a medical practitioner with a diploma obtained in Latvia has worked in the European Economic Area or Switzerland for no less than three years within the last five years, and will want to continue to work in Latvia, the person will have to submit to the Health Inspectorate certain certificates regarding his or her professional activity abroad, the Ministry of Health (VM) explained in a statement to the media. The person will also be able to do this remotely, for example, if they are still outside Latvia, and if everything is correct, return to Latvia to work immediately.
So far, the so-called “registry exam” had to be sorted, which made it difficult for the process, said VM. As a result, it will be a positive boost for highly qualified health professionals to return to Latvia, said VM.
Similarly, taking over the European Directive, a verification period has been established for persons whose doctor or nurse education has been acquired abroad, but they wish to work in Latvia without work experience. Accordingly, if a person abroad lacks work experience in the particular profession, a period of up to three years will be specified in Latvia during which the person will be able to work in the medical treatment institution under the supervision of a specific certified person.
Whether such examination period is applicable, where a person will be able to work and what duties to perform, will be determined by the responsible organizations.
This rule will not apply to foreign nationals without the knowledge of Latvian language.
