Taking the test

If you are sponsored by your employer, your PRO will arrange for you to take the medical test. Otherwise, it’s up to you to get yourself to a government health authority medical fitness centre for the test. Once you have the results you will be able to proceed with the residence visa procedure.

You will be tested for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV; if your tests are positive you will be deported to your home country. You will also need to have a chest x-ray to test for TB. You may find the government testing centres chaotic, which can be a little bit scary if this is your first experience of the UAE's healthcare system. Rest assured that, despite appearances, medical hygiene standards are followed and test results are processed efficiently. A good tip is to go wearing a plain, pale-coloured T-shirt: this way you should not have to remove your clothes and wear a hospital gown for your x-ray.

Domestic workers

All female domestic workers must take a pregnancy test as part of the medical exam. Those working at nurseries, salons and health clubs, must also complete a course of Hepatitis B vaccinations, which costs Dhs.50; this is then valid for 10 years, so keep the certificate as proof. Domestic workers must take the test annually in line with their visa.