How to apply for UAE residence visa if you had TB in the past

Question: I am currently employed by a bank in London but travel between the UAE and UK on a regular basis for work-related matters. I was recently approached by a major oil and gas company in the region and have accepted a senior role offered by them. I am aware that one must undergo a medical examination at the time of obtaining a residence visa in the UAE. However, I am slightly hesitant regarding the medical fitness test as I was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in 2003 while I was on post-graduation holiday in Germany and treated at a private medical hospital for over 2 months. The medical expenses were borne by the UK government as part of the EU rules. I returned to UK later and completed my medication before starting a full-time employment and thereafter, never experienced any medical issues related to TB. Further, if I undergo medical fitness check in Abu Dhabi, I am not aware if the X-ray will reveal the TB scar.

Answer:

For the purpose of residence visa, all matters related to the medical fitness tests in the UAE fall under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Health and Prevention (the 'Health Ministry'). Since you were cured of tuberculosis several years ago, you can apply for your residence visa and thereafter travel to the UAE. It would be prudent to travel to the UAE with all your medical records duly notarised and legalised from the UK, UAE Embassy in the UK followed by attestation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Co-operation in the UAE. The same set of documents may be filed with the Health Ministry if you fail in the medical fitness test due to TB scars from the past.

You may contact the Health Ministry and the office of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners' Affairs, Abu Dhabi for any further queries in this regard.

Further, you may write to us separately if you intend to seek our professional assistance. Your prospective employer may guide and provide you necessary assistance in the event TB scars are shown on the X-rays after conducting medical fitness test.

Know the law

If a person is seeking a UAE residence visa, one must travel to the UAE with all his/her medical records duly notarised and legalised from the UK, UAE Embassy in the UK followed by attestation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Co-operation in the UAE.

Ashish Mehta is the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates.

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