Expert Info

Posted by
on 6 Mar 2014
Hello, I'm an architect and have just accepted a job offer in Dubai and about to relocate there from London. I'm a Hep B carrier but don't have active disease and never had. Would I need to be tested for Hep B as part of medical screening for residence visa, or is it now limited to some workers categories only? Would be grateful for some answers as this could jeopardise my family's plans... G.
Anonymous (not verified) on 18 Mar 2014 - 08:24
Hi Gosiak, the medical tests for hepatitis B are usually for certain work cathegories, particularly for those who will be working in the food and hospitality industry or with children. As an architect, you shouldn't have to worry too much about this, but as MellowM mentioned above it's best to confirm with the UAE's immigration. Also, for further general information about getting a visa and work permit have a read of our Visas for Dubai page.
Anonymous (not verified) on 17 Mar 2014 - 23:41
As far as i know hep B together with HIV and tuberculosis are the standard tests carried out to grant visa. If you are a carrier I imagine that affects your chances to have a child with hep B that's about it. If you don't have it you should be safe but if I were you before moving with the family I would call the immigration help line just Google dubaii immigration website and phone the help line up to be certain. My guess is that you will require a doctor certification attesting you haven't got hep B. A friend of mine was in a similar situation not with this but with tuberculosis. She suffered a type of tumor that after treatment with chemo left her lungs scarred as if she had tuberculosis. When she went to the medical they started going crazy and wanted to deport her immediately. She had to get her doctor in her home country to send urgently confermation that the scars were not tuberculosis. After that they calmed down. So prepare to bring with you a certification attesting you aren't just gonna pass hep B because you sneeze at someone or something like that. Also make sure you check several opinion as here you phone the same help line 5 times and you can get 5 different answers. So keep probing until all is clear. You may also ask your employer to get their P.R.O. to verify this for u as he/she will be the one processing your residency on behalf of your employer. good luck

Expat Health Insurance

Cigna Health Insurance

Cigna Global Health Insurance.

Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider.

Get a quote from Cigna Global - 20% off

Moving Internationally?

Sirelo logo

International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.

Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.

Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!