This valuable initiative will begin to make use of the untapped potential refugee doctors represent to the NHS

Deng Yai, Refugee Council

At present qualified non-EU doctors must pass a General Medical Council's English language examination, and the Professional and Linguistics Board Examination.

But because of financial difficulties many refugees are unable to take these exams.

Queen Mary's programme will give doctors access to books and facilities, assistance with communication skills and help with clinical placements.

Deng Yai, employment and training policy advisor at the Refugee Council, said: "This valuable initiative will begin to make use of the untapped potential refugee doctors represent to the NHS."

The Refugee Council and the British Medical Association have 500 registered refugee doctors of which over half are based in London.

The majority are from Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran.

It is believed the register represents only a small fraction of the total numbers of refugee doctors in the UK.