Understanding Residency Visa Medical Reports

What is a Visa Medical Report in the UAE?

A visa medical report in the UAE is a mandatory health examination for expatriates applying for a residency visa. This comprehensive medical check is essential to detect the spread of communicable diseases and prevent their spread within the community.

The visa medical report involves several tests to screen for diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, leprosy, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Additional screenings for syphilis and pregnancy are required for certain categories of workers, including nannies, housekeepers, and healthcare workers​.

When is the Visa Medical Report Necessary?

A visa medical report is required under the following scenarios — 

1. New Visa Applications: Required for all new residency visa applicants to ensure they are free from communicable diseases
2. Visa Renewals: Mandatory for those renewing their residency visas for continued compliance with health standards
3. Special Job Categories: Additional tests and vaccinations are required for certain professions such as healthcare workers, nannies, and food handlers

Who Should Apply for a Visa Medical Test?

Applying for a visa medical report is an important step for anyone seeking a residency visa in the UAE. The timing and requirements for the medical test can vary depending on your purpose of stay. 

Here, we'll break down when you should apply for a visa medical report based on different scenarios — 

Students Travelling to the UAE for Studies

Students who are travelling to the UAE for educational purposes have to undergo a medical test as part of their visa application process. This test confirms that they are free from communicable diseases and fit to study in the UAE. 

The medical examination for students generally includes tests for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B and C, and other infectious diseases. It's essential for students to get a visa fit medical report before their arrival or immediately after entering the UAE to avoid any delays in their visa processing and commencement of studies​. 

Pre-Employment and Residency Visas

For individuals applying for pre-employment or residency visas, the visa medical report is compulsory. This process includes the following categories — 

• New Employment Visas: If you are moving to the UAE for a new job, you need to undergo a visa fit medical test.  The results are usually processed within 24 to 48 hours so that you can proceed with your employment visa application swiftly​.
• Residency Visa Renewals: Those renewing their residency visas must also take the visa medical report. This ensures that residents continue to meet health standards and don’t pose any health risks to the community. 

The medical examination for renewals follows the same procedures as the initial test, including screenings for infectious diseases and other health checks.

• Special Categories: Certain professions, such as domestic workers, food handlers, and healthcare workers, require additional screenings for diseases like syphilis and hepatitis B. These categories also mandate specific vaccinations as part of the visa fit medical report process to further focus on public health safety​. 

Medical Fitness Tests for Different Categories in the UAE

Visa fit medical reports are essential for various visa applications in the UAE. The requirements and tests vary depending on the type of visa and the category of workers. 

Here’s a breakdown of the medical fitness tests based on different categories — 

Domestic Workers

For domestic workers, including housemaids, nannies, drivers, and those working in similar capacities, the medical fitness test is quite comprehensive. These tests include — 

• HIV and AIDS Screening
• Pulmonary Tuberculosis
• Leprosy
• Hepatitis B and C
• Syphilis
• Pregnancy Test (for female domestic workers)

Additionally, domestic workers are required to receive the Hepatitis B vaccination. If they test positive for any of these conditions, they are deemed medically unfit and are typically deported​.

New Employment Visas

Individuals applying for new employment visas must undergo several health checks so that they are fit to work in the UAE. The visa fit medical results for new employment visas generally include — 

• Blood Tests: Screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other infectious diseases
• Chest X-ray: To check for tuberculosis
• Physical Examination: To assess overall health and fitness
• Vision and Hearing Tests: Applicable in some cases to ensure capability for specific job roles

For Medical Fitness Test Renewal

For those renewing their residency visas, the medical fitness test is a mandatory step. 

The tests include the following — 

1. HIV and AIDS Screening
2. Tuberculosis Screening: Including chest X-rays
3. Leprosy
4. Hepatitis B and C

How to Apply for a Residency Visa Medical Report in the UAE?

1. Login to the EHS System: Access the EHS system using UAE PASS and log in to your account.
2. Fill in Personal Details: Enter personal details like the Unified Number, Date of Birth, Gender, and contact information.
3. Upload Required Documents: Upload digital copies of the necessary documents. Make sure they meet the specified formats and sizes.
4. Proceed to Payment: After filling in the details and uploading the documents, proceed to the payment section to complete the application process.
5. Print Application Form: After completing the application and the payment, print the application form for your records.
6. Visit the Screening Center: Schedule an appointment and visit the designated medical screening centre with the printed form and original documents if required.

Documents Required for Visa Medical Report Application

When applying for a visa medical report in the UAE, certain documents are necessary for the application process. These documents help verify the applicant’s identity and provide the necessary details for conducting the medical fitness tests. 

Some of the important documents include — 

1. A clear and valid copy of your passport is required to verify your identity and nationality.
2. For those renewing their residency visa, a copy of the current residence permit or visa is necessary.
3. Photographs should be recent and with a white background. It must also meet the specific size requirements.
4. A copy of the Emirates ID is needed, especially for those renewing their residency visa.
5. A unified number is required for applicants in the UAE and must be included in the application.
6. Your date of birth must be accurately provided for record-keeping and identification purposes.
7. Specifying your gender is a part of the personal details required in the application.
8. Mobile number and email address are essential for communication regarding the application status and results.
9. Provide an alternative contact number for the sponsor.
10. A digital profile picture in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format, not exceeding 1 MB in size, is required for the application.

How to Check the Medical Fitness Report Status?

After applying for your medical fitness report and completing the required tests, you might be eager to know the status of your report. 

Follow these steps to check your visa fit medical report — 

1. Log in to the EHS System
   • Go to the EHS system website: https://fitness.ehs.gov.ae
   • Log in using your UAE PASS credentials. If you are a new user, you will need to register and create an account.
2. Go to 'My Applications'
   • After logging in, navigate to the 'Fitness Services' section.
   • Select 'My Applications' from the list. This will redirect you to the applications/inquiry page.
3. Search for Your Application
   • On the applications/inquiry page, you will find a search section.
   • Enter the relevant details such as the application date, birth date, or application number.
   • Click on the 'Search' button to retrieve your application status.
4. View Application Status
   • Once you have searched for your application, the results will be displayed in a table format.
   • The table will include the status of your application, whether it is in progress or completed, or if any action is required.
5. Checking Detailed Status
   • Click on your application entry to view more detailed information about the status.
   • This will include whether your medical report is ready, if any additional tests are required, or if there are any issues with your application.
6. Receiving Notifications
   • The EHS system will also send notifications via SMS or email to inform you about the status of your medical report.
   • Make sure that your contact details (mobile number and email) are up-to-date in the system to receive these notifications.
7. Tracking Through Mobile Apps
   • For Dubai, you can use the DHA mobile application to check the status. 

Simply download the app, log in using your credentials, and go to 'Other Services' > 'Check Medical Fitness Test Status'.

• Enter your request reference number (received via SMS), date of birth, and passport number to check your status.

1. Alternative Methods
   • In Abu Dhabi, you can visit the TAMM platform (www.tamm.abudhabi) to check your medical fitness report status.
   • If you reside in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, visit the Emirates Health Services (EHS) website (fitness.ehs.gov.ae). Next, enter your application number and date of birth to know about your visa fit medical result.

How to Apply for a Visa Medical Report for Students Travelling to the UAE?

If you are a student travelling to the UAE and need a medical fitness report for your residency visa, you must follow a specific process — 

1. Register on the Appropriate Platform
   • Government Universities: Register on the Ministry of Education’s NAPO digital-services platform. Create a username and password, and log in.
   • Private or Other Universities: Register on the Emirates Health Services (EHS) digital-services platform using UAE PASS. Log in to your account.
2. Complete the Electronic Medical History: Fill out the electronic medical history form in your NAPO or EHS account. 
3. Receive Notification: After completing your medical history, you will get an SMS or email from the Ministry of Education (for government universities) or from EHS (for private universities) with further instructions.
4. Select a Health Center: Choose the facility where you will undergo your vision and lab tests. This selection can be done online via the NAPO or EHS portal.
5. Visit the Health Center: Go to the selected health centre for your medical examination. Make sure to bring all required documents, including your ID and passport.
6. Receive Your Certificate: Once your medical examination is complete, you will receive an SMS or email notification stating the completion of the transaction and the issuance of the fitness certificate.
   • Government Universities: The certificate will be sent to your account in the Ministry of Education’s system.
   • Private Universities: The certificate will be sent to your account on the EHS portal.

How to Read a Visa Fit Medical Report?

Reading a visa medical report can be a key step in understanding your health status and the implications for your residency visa application in the UAE. 

Given below is a detailed guide on how to interpret the different sections of the visa fit medical results — 

Categories in a Medical Fitness Report

1. Personal Information
   • Name: Your full name as per your identification documents
   • Unified Number: A unique identifier assigned to you
   • Gender
   • Date of Birth
2. Medical Test Results
   • HIV and AIDS Screening: Indicates whether you are HIV positive or negative
   • Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Shows results from a chest X-ray and any presence of tuberculosis
   • Leprosy: Indicates whether leprosy bacteria are present
   • Hepatitis B and C: Shows the status of these hepatitis viruses
   • Syphilis: Results for syphilis tests (specific for certain job categories)
   • Pregnancy Test: Required for female domestic workers
3. Vaccination Status
   • Hepatitis B Vaccination: Status of vaccination, especially for individuals in categories like nannies, housekeepers, and healthcare workers
4. Overall Fitness Status
   • Fit Status: If your report indicates you are fit, it means you have passed all the necessary health checks and don’t pose a public health risk. This visa fit medical result status is required to proceed with your residency visa application.
   • Unfit Status: An unfit status indicates the presence of communicable diseases such as HIV, active tuberculosis, or leprosy. An unfit report generally results in the denial of your residency visa and deportation from the UAE.
   • Conditional Fitness Certificate: This indicates that while you may have a condition like dormant tuberculosis, you are allowed to stay in the UAE under the condition that you undergo treatment. This certificate is usually valid for one year and requires regular follow-ups.

Medical Centers for Fitness Test in the UAE

Tabled below is the comprehensive list of authorised medical centres where you can get your fitness test done for a residency visa in the UAE —

Charges of Medical Fitness Test in the UAE

The table below highlights the charges for different categories of medical fitness tests in the UAE. These charges depend on the purpose of the test and the category of the applicant — 

Additional Information

1. For Domestic Workers: The medical test for domestic workers includes additional screenings and vaccinations, particularly for Hepatitis B, which is reflected in the higher charges.
2. For Renewals: The same charges generally apply for renewing a residency visa.

Payment Process for Medical Fitness Test

Paying for your medical fitness test is an important step in the application process — 

1. Log in to the EHS System
   • Access the EHS system via https://fitness.ehs.gov.ae.
   • Log in using your UAE PASS credentials. If you are a new user, you will need to register and create an account.
2. Navigate to the Payment Section
   • Once logged in, go to the 'Fitness Services' section.
   • Select the application for which you need to make a payment.
3. Review Application Details
   • Before proceeding to payment, review your application details to ensure all information is correct.
   • Confirm that all necessary documents have been uploaded and that there are no errors in the application.
4. Proceed to Payment
   • Hit the 'Proceed to Payment' button.
   • You will be redirected to the payment summary page, which shows the total amount due.
5. Select Payment Method
   • POS Payment: If you choose to pay via Point of Sale (POS), you will need to visit a designated POS machine. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment.
   • Online Payment: For online payment, enter your card details, including the cardholder's name, card number, expiry date, and CVV. Ensure that the information is accurate.
6. Confirm Payment
   • After entering the payment details, click on the 'Pay Now' button.
   • Wait for the transaction to be processed. You will receive a confirmation message once the payment is successful.
7. Print Receipt
   • After the payment is confirmed, you will have the option to print the payment receipt.
   • Go to the 'Payment History' section in the EHS system to view and print your receipt at any time.

Penalties and Repercussions for Not Applying for a Medical Fitness Report in the UAE

As we have seen so far, in the UAE, undergoing a medical fitness test is a mandatory requirement for obtaining or renewing a residency visa. Failing to comply with this requirement can lead to several repercussions, including — 

1. Visa Rejection: If you don’t complete the medical fitness test, your residency visa application will be denied. 
2. Fines: There could be financial penalties for failing to comply with the medical fitness test requirements within the stipulated time frame. For instance, new visa applicants must complete the medical fitness test within 60 days from the date of entry, and visa renewals must be completed within 30 days from the expiry date​.
3. Deportation: If you fail the medical fitness test due to the presence of communicable diseases such as HIV, active tuberculosis, or leprosy, you will be deemed medically unfit, and your visa application will be rejected. In such cases, individuals are usually deported from the UAE immediately​.

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