Some bioethicists and political philosophers argue that rich states should restrict the immigration of health workers from poor countries in order to prevent harm to people in these countries. In this essay, I argue that restrictions on the immigration of health workers are unjust, even if this immigration results in bad health outcomes for people in poor countries. I contend that negative duties to refrain from interfering with the occupational liberties of health workers outweighs rich states' positive duties to prevent harm to people in sending countries. Furthermore, I defend this claim against the objection that health workers in poor countries acquire special duties to their compatriots that render them liable to coercive interference. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Developing world bioethics International justice Special obligations Rights health care justice Developing world

Health Personnel social justice morality economics developing country health care personnel Developing Countries human trends Developed Countries Coercion persuasive communication Moral Obligations human rights Freedom Humans Occupations Career Choice health care manpower Health Manpower occupation Socioeconomic Factors socioeconomics manpower legislation and jurisprudence migration developed country Emigration and Immigration Delivery of Health Care decision making health care delivery