They take on in the region of 10 cadets a year vs. many multiples that number of direct entry experienced candidates. Standard practice at most grown up airlines to take on cadets so don't see the issue.
My employer required me to convert from U.K. licence to their state of issue to enable company TRE's to sign off my licence at recurrent checks. Again standard practice at most airlines. I converted prior to joining. VS require you to present yourself at interview with UK licence which is pretty much impossible if you're working for a non U.K. airline.