UAE changes medical test system for expats coming for work and residency

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum made nine Cabinet decisions, one of which amended several terms regarding the system of medical tests for expatriates coming for work or residence. The decision is published in the latest edition of the Official Gazette. Resolution No. 75 for 2022 modifies certain sections of Cabinet Resolution No. 7 for 2008 concerning the health fitness test for foreign nationals entering the country for employment or permanent residence. The decision obligates expatriates coming for work or residence to have the medical tests decided before. Residency requirements for issuance or renewals vary by illness type and the category of the tested persons. When issuing residency for the first time or upon renewal, all categories of immigrants to the UAE are required to undergo a series of tests, including an AIDS test. Upon a decision of the Minister or the head of the health authority, according to the circumstances, it is permissible to exempt some cases from the health fitness test according to what is appropriate. Viral hepatitis is also tested for those coming to the country to work for the first time and upon residency renewal. The test is done for five categories: babysitters, domestic servants, nursery and kindergarten supervisors, workers at barbershops and health clubs, and health facilities. In the event of a positive result, residency cannot be granted or renewed unless the purpose of the residence visa is changed within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of notification of the result of the test. The pulmonary tuberculosis test is limited only to all new arrivals. The cases proved to be old or active are considered healthily unfit, and residency is not issued. The tuberculosis test must be done by all residents when renewing their residency. If it is proved they have old or active tuberculosis, the person is considered healthy, provided that the preventive medicine departments follow up with the individual. The applicant is then given a certificate of health fitness in which the phrase “subject to treatment” is specified. If the patient refuses medication, he will be deemed unfit and reported to the proper authorities, who will cancel the residency renewal. Every member of the diplomatic and consular corps is exempted from the condition of health fitness for old and active tuberculosis disease when issued residency for the first time and considered healthy. An exception may be granted on the advice of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or his authorized agent. Prominent investors are also excluded based on the approval of the competent health authority, and upon the recommendation of the competent economic authority in the concerned emirate, besides other categories determined by a competent committee. Female domestic workers must take a pregnancy test before issuing a health certificate. If pregnancy is confirmed, the employer has the option to allow the female to work or not after admitting in writing the test result. The State also mandates a leprosy screening for all newcomers and those applying to renew their visas. Residency is not issued or renewed for positive cases for all groups. New residents or those whose visas are being renewed are only required to take a syphilis test if they fall into one of the five categories previously mentioned. BKM/ Expat Media
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