Medical check-up at home countries must for Asian, African jobseekers
The long-pending proposal to introduce mandatory medical check-up for job seekers from Asian and African nations before their arrival in Qatar may be implemented any time soon, if the cabinet approves the proposal.
The Medical Commission, together with Ministry of Interior, will soon work out a mechanism to implement the proposal, a senior official at the Medical Commission said, adding that it will be implemented very shortly as the Cabinet has already approved it.
The rule will be applicable to job applicants from eleven nations which include Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Syria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, and Philippines.
More than 200 medical centres in the countries are authorised to hold the test at a fixed fee of $50.
The test results from authorised medical centres may be collected through online system. The visas for applicants will be issued by Ministry of Interior based on these test results, said Dr. Ibrahim Al Shaar, Director of Medical Commission.
Earlier, the Interior Ministry had announced that only those seeking residence permits will have to undergo mandatory tests. But now, every newcomer to Qatar should check to contagious diseases including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. The Cabinet decision has been welcomed by all Qatari businessmen and members of Central Municipal Council.
Posted on 30/8/2011