Planning a move to Qatar? A mandatory health screening is crucial in the residence visa application process. This comprehensive examination safeguards the well-being of Qatar’s residents and prevents the spread of infectious diseases.
The specific medical tests required vary based on your nationality, intended stay, and visa type. Generally, the process includes a physical examination, blood work, and a chest X-ray. Additional assessments may be necessary in some instances.
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What is the Qatar Visa Medical Test?
The medical examination for a Qatar visa or the Wafid Program is a health assessment program under the Gulf Health Council's umbrella. Its purpose is to determine the medical fitness of expatriates for employment in Qatar by ensuring they are free from contagious diseases.
Who is Required to Undergo a Qatar Visa Medical Exam?
Expatriates from designated countries who intend to work or reside in Qatar must undergo a medical examination as a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit or residence visa. This requirement extends to the families of these expatriates, with all adult family members (aged 18 and above) obligated to complete a medical examination before they arrive in Qatar.
Which Countries Require a Pre-Travel Medical Exam?
The countries are listed as follows:
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- India
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Lebanon
- Mali
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Uganda
What to Expect During a Qatar Visa Medical
The expatriate medical examination shall include a medical History, Clinical Examination, Laboratory Tests, and Psychological and Mental Status Examinations.
A Qatar visa medical generally includes tests for
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Tuberculosis
- Blood group
- Chest X-ray
Steps Involved in the Medical Test Process:
- General Examinations
- Medical History Review: A thorough review of your medical history.
- Physical Examination: General check-up by a medical professional.
- Vision Assessment
- Vision Check: Evaluation of visual acuity and eye health.
- Vital Signs Recording
- Measurements: Recording of height, weight, and blood pressure.
- X-Ray Testing
- Chest X-Ray: Postero-Anterior (PA) view of the chest for lung assessment.
- Laboratory Tests
- Elisa Testing: Screening for HIV, HBsAg (Hepatitis B), and Anti HCV (Hepatitis C).
- VDRL Test: Screening for Syphilis.
- Biochemistry Tests:
- Random blood sugar
- SGOT (Aspartate Transaminase)
- SGPT (Alanine Transaminase)
- Serum Creatinine
- Pregnancy Test: For women.
- Hemoglobin Test
- Blood Assessment: To check the level of hemoglobin.
- Vaccinations
- Ensure that necessary vaccinations are up to date.
For more information, check out the detailed components of expatriate medical examinations.
Required Documents for Medical Test
To verify your identity, please bring the following documentation to your medical appointment:
- A copy of your immunization records.
- Medical records detailing previous surgeries or illnesses.
- Four recent passport-sized photographs (3x4 inches).
- Your passport, along with a photocopy of the passport's biographical page.
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses (if applicable) with the latest eyesight number
How do I apply for the medical test?
To register for a medical test, please follow these steps:
- Access the Registration Link: Visit the official website to begin your registration.
- Schedule an Appointment: Select the "Book an Appointment" button on the website.
- Select Location: Choose your country, city, and intended travel destination. The system will automatically assign a medical center based on your selected city.
- Complete Registration Form: Enter all required information accurately and double-check all details before submitting.
- Make Payment: Proceed to the payment page. The expiry date format is year followed by month (YY/MM). Enter your credit card details carefully and click "Pay" to complete the transaction.
- Download Appointment Slip: Upon successful payment, you will receive a slip for your medical exam. Visit the assigned medical center at your earliest convenience to complete the examination.
Important Notes:
- Egyptian Nationals: If you are an Egyptian citizen, entering your national ID number is mandatory during registration.
- Verification: The system will prompt you to enter a verification code displayed on the screen and confirm the accuracy of the provided information before advancing to the next step.
What is the cost of the medical test?
The cost of a medical test for a Qatar visa varies depending on the applicant's country of residence and other factors. Hence it is advisable to visit the official website for accurate costs.
Timeframe for Medical Exam Results
The medical examination result typically becomes available within 26 days of completing the examination.
What Happens if I Fail the Wafid Medical Test?
You will be issued an unfit report if you are found medically unfit during the Wafid examination. This report comes with a three-month (3-month) travel restriction for all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The following conditions will lead to a medical rejection:
Infectious Diseases
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS)
- Hepatitis B - Positive Surface Antigen (HBsAg)
- Hepatitis C - Positive Anti Hepatitis Virus (Anti-HCV)
- Microfilaria and Malaria
- Leprosy
- Open Tuberculosis
- Abnormal Chest X-ray changes (indicative of past pulmonary tuberculosis)
- Pulmonary cavitation, fibrosis, calcification
- Pleural effusion, condensation
- Lymphadenopathy
Non-Communicable Diseases
- Renal Failure
- Liver Failure
- Heart Failure
- Uncontrolled Hypertension (with end-organ damage)
- Uncontrolled Diabetes (with end-organ damage)
- Cancer (all types)
- Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders
- Physical Disabilities (distortion, amputation, impeding work performance)
- Low Hemoglobin (< 7g/dL)
- Uncontrolled Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Others
- Pregnancy (if applying for a work visa)
What if My Nationality or Country is Not Listed?
If you cannot find your nationality or country listed during registration, please follow these steps:
- Contact Support: Send an email to the official support portal.
- Include Nationality Information: Clearly state the nationality with which you require assistance in your email.
Essential Information to prepare for your appointment
- Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Appointments may get rescheduled for late arrivals.
- The medical test takes approximately 2 hours.
- No fasting is required.
- Remove all jewelry and metallic objects.
- Refrain from bringing bags or luggage.
- Food and electronic devices are not permitted.
- Only confirmed appointment holders are allowed entry, except disabled applicants or minors with a companion.
- You may need to store personal belongings in lockers.
- Photography is prohibited without authorization.
- A consent form must be signed.
- The center is not responsible for lost items.
- Wear loose clothing for vaccinations and blood tests.
Duration of Visa Medical Testing
The entire visa medical examination process may take up to two hours. It is advisable to arrive fifteen minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
How to Verify Medical Status
To determine the status of your medical examination, please visit the official Gulf Health Council's website. You will need to provide your passport number and nationality in the designated section to view your medical examination results.
What is the Medical Referral process?
Certain visa applicants may be required to undergo additional medical examinations as directed by Qatar authorities. This process is termed a Medical Referral.
Medical referrals can encompass the following:
- Additional X-ray Images: Per the Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines, applicants may be instructed to return to the Qatar Medical Center for supplementary X-ray examinations.
- Additional Laboratory Tests: If further laboratory analysis is necessary, blood samples will be submitted to external laboratories for evaluation.
- External Specialist Consultations: Based on MoH directives, applicants might be referred to specialized medical professionals at approved hospitals for further assessment. This may necessitate the submission of a referral letter or specific documentation.
Conclusion
The Qatar Visa Medical Test is essential to Qatar's commitment to a safe and healthy workforce. Individuals can confidently navigate the process by following the outlined procedures, gathering required documents, and understanding associated costs. This information is provided to ensure transparency and trust, empowering individuals as they embark on their employment journey in Qatar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While certain infectious diseases can lead to rejection, the focus is on ensuring your condition won't prevent you from working or pose a public health risk. Discuss any pre-existing conditions with your doctor before the test.
Don't panic! You'll be able to retest after undergoing further treatment for the identified condition. The Wafid website provides resources to guide you through this process.
Children under 18 are generally exempt from the pre-travel medical test for Qatar. However, some additional vaccinations might be required. Check with your paediatrician for the latest recommendations.
Yes, applicants can book a medical examination in a country distinct from their country of origin. When applying, they should specify the desired examination location and their nationality.
Only confirmed appointment holders are allowed entry. However, exceptions are made for disabled applicants or minors who require assistance from a companion.
Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in October2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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