In France, thousands of foreign-trained doctors, known as Padhue (praticiens à diplôme hors Union européenne), work in hospitals under temporary contracts, often for years, without the full rights of their French-trained counterparts. These doctors, many from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Lebanon, fill critical shortages in underserved areas, especially in emergency rooms and rural hospitals.
Despite their essential role, Padhue face a precarious status: they are not considered permanent staff, have limited career progression, and can be dismissed with little notice. A 2025 report by the French Senate highlighted that over 10,000 Padhue work in public hospitals, yet many lack access to training or recognition of their experience.
Recent reforms, including a 2024 law, aimed to streamline their integration, but implementation has been slow. Advocacy groups continue to push for equal treatment, citing that these doctors often work the same hours as their peers but earn less and have fewer protections.
