Is my employer right to require a medical test in my home country instead of upon arrival?

Hello,

In the UAE, medical tests for employment visas are typically conducted after you arrive in Dubai as part of the residency visa process.

If your employer is asking you to conduct a medical test in your home country, it could be for their internal requirements or pre-screening, but it is not a substitute for the official medical test required by UAE immigration authorities.

To ensure your rights are protected and you comply with UAE regulations, I recommend reviewing your employment contract and the visa process outlined by your employer.

If you need legal assistance or further clarification, feel free to reach out to me via WhatsApp or phone.

Best regards,

Suhail Rana

It's unusual for an employer in the UAE to ask a potential employee to conduct a medical test in their home country before arriving in Dubai, especially when standard practice involves medical testing upon arrival.

These tests are performed at authorized medical centers in the UAE, ensuring compliance with local health regulations.

The tests are part of the visa application process and are required to obtain an Emirates ID. Certain industries, such as healthcare or food handling, may have stricter pre-employment medical requirements.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your question!

In the UAE, medical tests for employees are typically required as part of the visa process and are usually conducted after arrival in the country, not before.

This is the standard procedure, where employees are generally required to undergo a medical examination at an approved UAE health center after arriving in Dubai.

1. Employer's Request for Medical Test in Home Country:

While the standard process is to conduct the medical test in the UAE, some employers may request the test to be completed in the home country before arrival. This can sometimes happen depending on the employer's internal policies or the specific requirements for your visa category.

However, this is not the usual procedure and could be subject to company-specific preferences or special agreements.

2. Standard Procedure:

For most employees, the medical test in the UAE is a standard part of the work visa application. The results are typically needed for medical clearance and to ensure you meet the health requirements to work in the country.

3. Next Steps:

Confirm with your employer if the medical test is truly necessary before arriving in Dubai. If it’s not a mandatory requirement for the visa application, it might be best to wait until you are in Dubai to complete it.

If the employer insists on the test being done before arrival, you may want to clarify why this is being requested and whether it is in line with the legal requirements for working in the UAE.

If you feel uncertain or need further assistance with this matter, I recommend seeking clarification directly from your employer or reaching out to the relevant authorities to ensure you follow the correct procedure.

Let me know if you'd like further guidance on this.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

A medical examination is done after applying for the visa.

Dear Valued Client,

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention regarding your employer's request for a medical test in your home country!

We appreciate your diligence in seeking clarification on this unusual requirement.

Based on standard UAE employment visa procedures, we can provide the following professional assessment:

1. Standard Procedure:

Typically, the medical fitness test for employment visas is conducted after arrival in Dubai, not in the applicant's home country.

2. Official Process:

The usual sequence of events for obtaining an employment visa in Dubai is as follows:

a) Your employer applies for a work permit and entry permit on your behalf.

b) You enter Dubai using the approved entry permit.

c) Upon arrival, you undergo a mandatory medical fitness test at an authorized health center in Dubai.

3. UAE Medical Screening:

The official medical examination in Dubai screens for specific communicable diseases and is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a residence visa in the UAE.

4. Employer's Request:

While your employer's request for a pre-departure medical test is uncommon, they may have specific reasons for this additional step. However, it's important to note that this would not replace the mandatory medical examination required after arrival in Dubai.

5. Recommended Action:

We advise seeking clarification from your employer regarding the following:

a. The specific purpose of the pre-departure medical test.

b. Whether this test is in addition to, or intended to replace, the standard UAE medical examination.

c. Any potential implications for your visa process or employment terms.

Please be assured that the official UAE visa process typically does not require medical testing in your home country.

However, open communication with your employer can help clarify their specific requirements and ensure a smooth relocation process.

Should you require further assistance or legal advice regarding this matter, please don't hesitate to contact our office.

Yours sincerely,