More than 7,000 overseas pharmacists who have successfully passed the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam, cleared the necessary English tests, and obtained registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) have demonstrated their commitment and competence to practice in Australia. Despite meeting all the stringent requirements, these highly qualified professionals face significant barriers in securing internships and obtaining appropriate visas due to a lack of awareness and understanding among employers and restrictive visa policies.

Imagine investing years of hard work, substantial financial resources, and unwavering dedication to achieve a dream, only to find that despite meeting all the qualifications, the path forward remains obstructed. This is the reality for many KAPS-qualified pharmacists who have proven their capability but are struggling to secure the necessary internships and visa sponsorships to complete their professional journey in Australia.

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has established rigorous standards to ensure that only the most competent pharmacists are allowed to practice. Those who have passed the KAPS exam, cleared their English tests, and registered with AHPRA have already shown they meet these high standards. Yet, due to a lack of awareness, cumbersome visa processes, and restrictive policies, these pharmacists are left in limbo, their potential contributions to the Australian healthcare system untapped.

We call upon the APC, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA), and the relevant government bodies to take immediate measures to address this issue:

Open Up 491 and 190 Visa Invitations for Pharmacists: Pharmacists are already part of the 491 and 190 skilled immigration categories, yet the government is not issuing enough invitations to these professionals. It's imperative to advocate for more invitations to be extended to KAPS-qualified pharmacists, providing them with a stable pathway to live and work in Australia.

Raise Awareness Among Employers: Many employers are not aware of the 407 visa and the benefits of hiring overseas pharmacists who have met all necessary qualifications. The APC, PSA, and PGA should launch a comprehensive awareness campaign to inform employers about the advantages of sponsoring these capable candidates and provide clear guidance on the sponsorship process.

Streamline the Sponsorship Process: The administrative tasks associated with sponsorship can be daunting. The APC, PSA, and PGA should collaborate with employers to simplify these processes, including offering detailed information about costs and benefits, to make it easier for employers to sponsor KAPS-qualified pharmacists.

Act Swiftly to Support Limited Timeframes: KAPS-qualified pharmacists have only three years to secure an internship before their qualifications expire. The APC, PSA, and PGA must act swiftly to ensure these professionals do not lose out on the opportunity to utilize their hard-earned credentials.

Facilitate Internships Through Partnerships: Establish partnerships with pharmacies across Australia, especially in regional areas where there is a high demand for pharmacists. Creating a network of potential internship opportunities will help ensure these pharmacists can find placements promptly.

Create an Overseas KAPS-Qualified Pharmacists Intern Cell: We propose the creation of a dedicated intern cell on the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and other stakeholders focused on supporting KAPS-qualified pharmacists. This cell would provide resources, guidance, and a centralized platform for connecting with potential employers.