Medical fitness in Dubai: who is tested, what is tested, and what a positive result means

Who: expatriates applying for or renewing a residence in Dubai must get a Medical Fitness Certificate showing they are free of the specified communicable diseases (Cabinet Resolution No. 7 of 2008 as amended by No. 5 of 2016 and No. 75 of 2022). The UAE government portal says the test is for applicants aged 18 and above. What: a blood test and a chest X-ray (Dubai Health), with vaccinations for some professions. Under Resolution 75/2022 (as summarised by MOHAP and Gulf Today): HIV for everyone at first issue and renewal; tuberculosis for all new arrivals and at renewal; leprosy for everyone; viral hepatitis and syphilis only for certain occupational groups (domestic workers, nannies, nursery/kindergarten staff, barbershop/beauty/health-club workers, health-facility workers; the u.ae page also names food handlers and restaurant/café workers), with hepatitis B vaccination for negative new arrivals in those groups; a pregnancy test for female domestic workers. Results: HIV or leprosy positive - residence not issued or renewed. TB - unfit at first issue; at renewal, people found with scars, active or drug-resistant TB get a conditional certificate and a 1-year residence and must complete treatment in the UAE. Hepatitis positive in those groups - residence for that job refused, unless the purpose of the residence is changed within 30 days of the result (MOHAP). Syphilis - treatment before the fitness certificate. Pregnancy (domestic workers) - the employer may decide to keep the worker after written acknowledgment. Results are sent by SMS or email and directly to GDRFA; for unfit results the sponsor/PRO visits Block 7 at Al Muhaisnah Medical Fitness Centre (DHA catalogue 2022).