GULF: UAE Lists Strict Medical Screening For Kenyans To Secure Work Visa
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a list of mandatory medical conditions that Kenyans and other foreign nationals must meet before they can secure a work or residence visa in the Gulf nation.
Under the UAE’s medical fitness requirements, all foreign nationals applying for work or residence permits must test negative for communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis (TB) before they can be granted a visa.
The requirements are even stricter for people seeking employment in specific sectors.
Domestic workers, nannies, drivers, food handlers, restaurant workers, nursery staff, salon and beauty centre employees, as well as workers in health clubs, must also test negative for syphilis and Hepatitis B.
Additionally, female domestic workers are required to test negative for pregnancy before being cleared to work in the Gulf nation.
The UAE will also conduct tuberculosis screening for expatriates, although the process differs between emirates.
In Abu Dhabi, applicants will undergo a chest X-ray to detect pulmonary tuberculosis, while Dubai does not require the same screening during the initial medical examination.
All foreign nationals seeking a work or residence visa must first be free of communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis (TB).
Since 2016, expatriates renewing their residence visas have also been required to undergo TB screening.
Those found with active or drug-resistant TB, or lung scars linked to the disease, are issued a one-year conditional residence visa and must undergo treatment in the UAE.
The stringent medical requirements form part of the UAE’s broader public health measures aimed at preventing the spread of infectious diseases while protecting residents and workers across the country.
The UAE is one of the top destinations for Kenyans seeking jobs abroad.
Many are attracted by tax-free salaries and employment opportunities in sectors such as domestic work, hospitality, healthcare, construction, retail and aviation.
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According to Kenyan government estimates, between 30,000 and 50,000 Kenyans are currently living and working in the UAE.
This makes it one of the country’s largest destinations for migrant labour in the Middle East.
The development comes after Kenya introduced mandatory travel health insurance for all inbound travellers.
The cover must provide benefits of at least US$50,000 (about Ksh6.4 million).
The new rules require insurance providers to offer travel health policies that meet the prescribed minimum benefits.
The government said that the move is intended to strengthen health protection for visitors entering Kenya.
Further, the latest developments highlight the growing emphasis both Kenya and the UAE are placing on public health safeguards, even as thousands of Kenyans continue to pursue employment opportunities abroad each year.
GULF: UAE Lists Strict Medical Screening For Kenyans To Secure Work Visa
