The Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Implementation of International Recognition Agreements (Amendment) (Extension to Switzerland etc.) Regulations 2024

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations make provision under section 3(1) of the Professional Qualifications Act 2022 (c. 20) (“the 2022 Act”) to implement provisions in the agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Swiss Confederation on Recognition of Professional Qualifications done at London on 14th June 2023 (“the Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement”). They also make supplementary provision in respect of the implementation of the provisions relating to the recognition of professional qualifications contained in the free trade agreement between Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland done at London on 8th July 2021 (“the EEA EFTA free trade agreement”).

Part 2 contains amendments to the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Implementation of International Recognition Agreements (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1286) (“the 2023 Regulations”). The amendments in Part 2 of these Regulations extend the application of the 2023 Regulations to Switzerland, and amend the 2023 Regulations for the purpose of, and in connection with, implementing the Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement. Part 2 also makes supplementary provision in respect of the implementation of provisions relating to the recognition of professional qualifications contained in the EEA EFTA free trade agreement for regulated professions created after the coming into force of the 2023 Regulations, and to clarify the scope of the exclusion of the Regulations to certain transport professions for which there are existing international arrangements in place.

Part 3 contains amendments to legislation for the purpose of, and in connection with, implementing the Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement in the healthcare sector. Part 3 also corrects minor technical errors in the Osteopaths Act 1993 and the Chiropractors Act 1994 in respect of the implementation of the EEA EFTA free trade agreement and contains amendments for the purpose of, and in connection with, implementing the EEA EFTA free trade agreement in the healthcare sector.

Part 4 contains amendments and modifications to legal services legislation in relation to Swiss qualified lawyers undertaking an adaptation period with the Law Society. It also contains modifications to legal aid legislation and arrangements. This is for the purpose of, and in connection with, implementing Annex A (additional provisions for certain legal professionals) of the Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement.

An impact assessment has not been produced as no, or no significant, impact on the public, private or voluntary sector is foreseen. An Explanatory Memorandum is available alongside this instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk. A copy has also been placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.