At Head Medical, we regularly speak with doctors considering roles in the Middle East — and one of the most common questions we hear is about the cost of applying for a job abroad. Here's what you need to know.
Q: Does Head Medical charge candidates for its services?
A: No. Our services are completely free to applicants. It is illegal in the UK for recruitment agencies to charge job seekers for employment services. *
Q: I’ve spoken to an overseas agency that wants to charge me to help with licensing and visa applications. Is that normal?
A: Unfortunately, some agencies abroad charge candidates without guaranteeing results. Head Medical does not operate this way. You should never have to pay for recruitment services—the hiring organisation covers these costs.
Q: I’m currently receiving WhatsApp messages from agencies located overseas asking me to attend an interview. How have they got my details?
A: We comply with GDPR and will only ever contact you through the details you have provided on our website. However, if you have input your details into a database overseas, they may be able to sell your contact information and share your CV without having to gain your permission. It would be best advised to not register your details with any organisation that is not GDPR compliant.
Q: How can I tell if an agency is legitimate?
A: Always ask whether they charge the applicant. Ethical agencies like Head Medical are paid by the employer, not the job seeker.
Q: Do I need to complete Dataflow or get a licence before applying for a job in the Gulf region?
A: No. While some agencies may tell you otherwise, reputable employers are happy to receive your application before these processes begin. The licensing and visa stages typically happen after you’ve accepted a job offer.
Q: Will Head Medical support me through the licensing and visa process?
A: Absolutely. We provide full support through every step of the process, including guidance on Dataflow, licensure, and relocation, at no cost to you.
Head Medical is an accredited REC agency with over 16 years of experience. We have helped hundreds of doctors relocate to the Middle East and beyond, offering expert support with medical registration and licensing. If you are interested in working with us to find your next medical job in the Middle East, Autralia, New Zealand or any of our other locations, get in touch!
+44(0)131 226 220
info@headmedical.com
**Please note that once you are offered a position as a Medical Professional in the Middle East, you will incur fees for Immigration and medical licensing processes, but not for your initial job search or application.