My sister and many of her friends left stable jobs and made significant financial sacrifices to pursue nursing positions in New Zealand and Australia, hoping to fulfill their dreams. However, their reality has been starkly different.

Despite submitting thousands of job applications, making numerous sacrifices, and investing countless hours of hard work, they have faced continuous rejection from employers. This issue is widespread and affects many highly qualified nurses globally. In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland have implemented a fairer system. They conduct interviews prior to job offers, followed by the completion of the CBT and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) as part of the registration process. This streamlined approach provides a more practical and accessible pathway for internationally qualified nurses, ensuring their skills are properly recognized and utilized.

The ongoing injustice experienced by these nurses is deeply troubling. They endure significant financial strain and emotional turmoil, with many also grappling with severe mental health challenges. Despite their extensive experience—often spanning 5-10 years in nursing—and stable lives in regions like the Middle East, their plight often goes unnoticed.

This raises a crucial question: If these nurses are accepted and their registrations processed, why are they continually deemed unwanted by employers? Their journey is about fairness and respect for their expertise and the sacrifices they've made. They deserve recognition and a fair opportunity to contribute their valuable skills where they are urgently needed.

According to the World Health Organization, Australia and New Zealand face critical nursing shortages, yet their current hiring policies often exclude qualified foreign nurses. This not only affects the nurses themselves but also undermines the overall quality of healthcare these countries can offer.

We urge the governments of New Zealand and Australia, as well as their respective nursing and healthcare councils, to review their hiring practices. We call upon them to adopt a more inclusive and robust system, similar to that of the UK and Ireland, where fair treatment and equal employment opportunities are extended to internationally qualified nurses.

Through signing this petition, we unite to support our loved ones and advocate for justice for all internationally qualified nurses. Together, we can contribute to a more equitable medical community in both countries. Your signature can make a meaningful difference. Please sign and share this petition widely.