If you are renewing your visa in Abu Dhabi or applying for the first time, you will be subjected to a medical fitness exam as part of the application procedure. The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) has set up particular services to make the medical fitness screening procedure easier, whether you’re applying as an individual or a business owner with multiple personnel to test.
This is everything you need to know about the procedure.
What is the medical fitness test?
Residents must pass a medical fitness exam as part of the application and renewal process for a residence visa. The exams are carried out at health centers run by the Emirate’s government. In Dubai, for example, you’d need to go to a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) medical fitness center. In Abu Dhabi, you’ll need to go to a Seha-run screening center.
According to the official UAE government website – u.ae – foreign nationals must be free of any communicable diseases, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis, in order to receive a work or resident visa (TB).
In addition, the following workers should have syphilis and Hepatitis B tests negative:
- Nursery employees • Nursery employees
- Domestic workers such as housemaids, nannies, and driversÂ
- Food handlers and restaurant and cafe workersÂ
- Workers in saloons and beauty salonsÂ
- Workers in health clubs
Domestic workers must be free of pregnancy tests.
Also Read: From Dubai, how to apply for a Saudi visa?
How to get an appointment in Abu Dhabi for a medical fitness test
1. Apply through the Seha Visa Screening app
Seha created the SEHA Visa Screening App earlier this year to make it easier for candidates to schedule an appointment at one of the 12 Disease Prevention and Screening Centers situated throughout Abu Dhabi. Here’s how to use the app to schedule an appointment:
- Get the ‘Seha Visa Screening’ app, which is available for Apple and Android.
- Log in to the app with your email address, Emirates ID, and phone number. You’ll be asked to choose a username and password as well.
- An email and an SMS will be sent to you with a one-time password.
- Type in both passwords.
- You will then be prompted to upload a copy of your passport as well as a copy of your visa page.
- After registering, sign in with your username and password.
- Select ‘Request an appointment’ from the drop-down menu.
- Choose the emirate in which you live: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra.
- Choose your preferred registration center.
- Enter your UID number next.
- Then, from the available slots, choose the date and time of the appointment.
- You will receive an appointment confirmation via the app and SMS once you have successfully booked the appointment.
Green Pass needed
It’s crucial to remember that once you’ve scheduled an appointment, you’ll need to make sure your Green Pass is active at the time of the appointment because you’ll need it to access the facility. If you are completely vaccinated (including the booster dose if you are eligible), you must have a PCR test within 15 days of your appointment; if you are not fully vaccinated, you must get a PCR test within two days of your visit.
2. New mobile screening facility for employees of companies
Companies can also take use of a new service offered by Seha: a mobile visa screening clinic that will come to employees’ workplaces to conduct medical fitness tests. However, this service is only available to businesses. To schedule a screening for your company, send an email to mobilevisascreening@seha.ae.
How much does the test cost?
You must bear all visa-related charges if you are the sponsor and seeking for a visa for your family or domestic worker. A typical standard visa screening costs Dh250, and the findings are sent within 48 hours. Once the results are in, Seha will send you an SMS with an update.
