The UAE government aims to ensure a healthy living environment at all times. For this reason, people who are coming into the country for the first time are required to undergo medical tests. These help to ensure that the community is well-protected against infectious diseases.
In Dubai, these tests are conducted through the Dubai Health Authority’s medical centers, which are well-equipped and maintained based on international standards. Aside from medical tests, all residents of Dubai are also required to have a health card or a health insurance policy.
Medical Exam for Dubai Workers and Residents
Generally, blood tests are conducted to check if you have a communicable disease, while x-rays are taken to test for tuberculosis. If your test result is positive, your visa will be denied and you will be deported, as per the law of the UAE.
Specifically, the kind of medical test you need depends on your category as a worker:
AIDS/HIV, Leprosy, and Tuberculosis (TB)
These are required for all expats seeking a new visa. If you have TB or TB scars, you will not be allowed to enter or re-enter the UAE. If you are already living in the country and you have TB, you will be given a conditional certificate and a one-year residence visa, but you must undergo proper treatment. You will not be allowed to sponsor family members who have TB or TB scars.
Hepatitis and Syphilis Tests
Hepatitis tests are required for newcomers as well as those who are applying to be babysitters, domestic helpers, kindergarten and nursery employees, workers at health clubs, barber shops, or restaurants. The same categories are also required to undergo syphilis tests, along with those applying to work in coffee shops, food supply centers, and other food-related outlets.
Based on new laws, those who have previously failed a Hepatitis test can re-apply for a residence visa. As long as the applicant is not blacklisted, he or she can try again after being treated.
Pregnancy Test
This is required for those who are applying to be babysitters, domestic helpers, or female drivers. If the result is positive, the employer has to submit a statement about his awareness of the pregnancy before a residence visa is granted.
Requirements for New Visas and Renewal
If you are applying for a new visa or getting it renewed, you will be required to undergo medical tests and present a health card or number.
Required documents for a new visa:
- Original passport
- Two passport-size photos
- Letter from typing office in Arabic
- Health card receipt or number
- Medical test fee (depending on work category)
For visa renewal:
- Original passport
- Copy of residence permit
- Two passport-size photos
- Locally-accredited labor card or ID card
- Health card
- Medical test fee (depending on work category)
Health Card and Medical Test Fees
Upon passing medical tests, you will need to get a health card. This entitles you to subsidized health care in government-run clinics and hospitals. Fees for the health card and some medical tests are as follows:
For UAE nationals (card is valid for 4 years):
0 to 9 years old – AED 25
10 to 17 years old – AED 50
18 years old and above – AED 100
For expats (card is valid for 1 year):
0 to 9 years old – AED 100
10 to 17 years old – AED 200
18 years old and above – AED 300
Medical test fees:
AIDS/HIV, TB, Leprosy, Syphilis – AED 250
Pregnancy Test – AED 50
First dose of immunization against Hepatitis B – AED 50
Second and third doses of immunization against Hepatitis B – Free
Authentication of health insurance from private sector – AED 200
For more information about getting medical tests in Dubai, you may call the Dubai Health Authority at 800432 or go to their official website at https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/Pages/DHAHome.aspx
Whether you are an applicant seeking a new visa or getting it renewed, don’t forget that medical tests are part of the requirements. After all, you need to be healthy to be able to work effectively. What’s more, it is also important to be living in a safe and healthy environment.
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