Ethical Governance of International Recruitment of Health Personnel

Topic Description

International migration allows health and care workers to pursue employment, higher wages, professional development and other opportunities abroad, while helping destination countries fill workforce shortages. However, large-scale recruitment from countries already experiencing severe shortages can weaken health systems and reduce access to care. The WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel provides the international framework for managing these competing interests. In May 2026, the World Health Assembly amended the Code, adding provisions concerning care workers, emergencies and co-investment so that international recruitment can produce proportional benefits for source and destination countries.