Outlook Business Desk
The United States has permitted foreign doctors from travel ban-listed countries to keep working after lifting a visa processing freeze. The New York Times reported that the earlier restrictions had disrupted healthcare services and affected doctors across the country.
The earlier policy delayed visa extensions, work permits and green cards for citizens from 39 countries. This left many foreign doctors uncertain, as they relied on these approvals to continue working legally across the US healthcare system.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the change, stating that applications linked to medical physicians would continue processing. This clarification ensured that pending cases involving doctors would now move forward without further delays.
Before the policy was reversed, several doctors in US hospitals were put on administrative leave, while others risked losing their jobs. The visa freeze had disrupted job stability across hospitals and affected healthcare services.
The United States is facing a shortage of around 65,000 physicians, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The gap is expected to grow further in the coming years, increasing pressure on the healthcare system.
Meanwhile, foreign doctors account for about 25% of the US medical workforce and mainly work in primary care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine and paediatrics, making them essential to maintaining healthcare services.
Medical groups warned that the visa freeze could affect healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas. Rebecca Andrews from the American College of Physicians said the decision helps retain skilled international doctors required across the United States healthcare system.