In his communication sent on February 16, the minister points out that his services’ attention has been drawn to a large immigration of Ivorian health workers to northern countries, particularly Canada.

” As quickly as possible ”

Faced with such a situation, which he says is increasing the pressure on the workforce already suffering from a structural shortage of health workers, Pierre Dimba announced “appropriate measures” to ensure “the loyalty of health workers” and “the resilience of the health system by maintaining competence”.

The Minister of Health also asked that the list of agents who are in an immigration situation be sent to him “as soon as possible” and no later than February 28, 2023.

Between 10,000 and 15,000 Ivorians emigrate each year

The intentions of the Ivorian population to emigrate are relatively high. 32% of Ivorians say they want to leave their country live abroad permanently according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These intentions to emigrate are particularly high University graduates.

Since 2015, between 10,000 and 15,000 Ivorians have emigrated to the OECD countries each year, with emigration flows increasingly directed towards North America. A relatively large proportion of people want to leave the country to settle in the United States or Canada.

In the period 2013-2018, France (22%), the United States (20%) and Canada (12%) were the preferred destinations for Ivorians expressing emigration wishes.

Why Canada is the destination for Ivory Coast healthcare professionals

Currently, immigration policies in Quebec and Canada aim to attract “the best and the brightest,” and doctors are part of this transnational elite. This North American country relies heavily on skilled workers from Africa to operate its healthcare system, which has failed over the years.

With an aging population, Canada has 2.7 practicing physicians for every 1,000 people. To meet the needs of the Quebec Ministry of Health and Human Services (MSSS) to fill shortages of French-speaking doctors in underserved regions, immigration authorities in African countries like Côte d’Ivoire are prioritizing applications for temporary work permits as essential healthcare workers.

On September 23, Canadian Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced a series of measures designed to make it easier for foreign doctors to visit Canada in order to strengthen Canada’s healthcare system.

Canada is not the only country

For example, last November, the College of Physicians of Quebec agreed to enroll more overseas doctors because we are actively recruiting overseas doctors in Western Canada.

In 2022, the Canadian government accepted more than 8,600 temporary and permanent residency applications from foreign nationals intending to work in the healthcare sector. In 2021, it approved work permit and renewal applications for more than 2,500 medical specialists, 620 nurses and 550 nursing assistants.

Canada is not the only country looking to fill the gaps in its public hospitals with African health professionals. In France, a bill on immigration and integration was presented to the Council of Ministers on February 1st. It provides for the creation of a specific residence permit “Talent – ​​medical and pharmaceutical professions”.