In order to keep up the vision of the Qatari Government to make Qatar a disease-free nation, all newcomers, by law, are required to take up a medical exam after their arrival in Qatar, the purpose of which, is to protect the health of the population in general, and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, if any, from the newcomers.
Medical Requirements
Expatriates who wish to work and live in Qatar, are required by law, to undergo a health screening on their arrival in Qatar, so as to be able to obtain a Work Residence Permit.
Job seekers from the following countries are required to complete a separate medical check-up at their home countries, through any of the approved clinics (visit https://www.moph.gov.qa/ for list of approved clinics) before entering Qatar.
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- India
- Indonesia
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
About 80 percent of expat workers in Qatar are from the above-said countries. Workers can undergo the required medical check-up, record biometric data and fingerprints, and sign work contracts in their own country before visiting Qatar.
The Interior Ministry in Qatar has signed deal with a Singapore-based company for completion of requisite documents and check-ups. This will help in reducing the cases of rejection of workers, based on their medical tests. Such a measure has been taken by the Qatari government so that it gets easier for expats to work in the country.
Medical Examination
In Qatar, the Medical Commission is responsible for holding medical examinations with the aim of protecting the health of Qatar population and preventing spread of infectious diseases.
Expats should first obtain a blood-type certificate that can be obtained from any clinic for a nominal fee, before taking up the Medical Commission exam.
The medical examination may include Blood Test, Chest X-Ray, Screening for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C.
Additional Annual Checkups: Individuals working in barber shops, restaurants, laundries, health clubs, and other public places are required to undergo annual health check-ups.
The Medical Commission
Located on Al Muntazah Street, off the E-Ring Road, the Medical Commission is the authority responsible for conducting the health exam.
Three other private hospitals are authorized to carry out the mandatory procedure for a fee, which include Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital, and Al Emadi Hospital.
The Ministry of Public Health now plans to open new facilities that are solely dedicated to conducting these tests. For complete information, visit https://www.moph.gov.qa/.
Documents required:
The following documents are generally necessary for medical test. But it depends on whether you are a newcomer to Qatar, or are seeking visa extension.
- Original passport of the visitor
- Clear copy of visit visa with cell phone number (in case you are seeking extension of visa)
- Debit/Credit card for payment of fees.
Medical Test Fee:
- The fee for medical test is QR100 per individual,
- Debit/Credit Card is necessary for payment. Cash payment is not allowed.
- If you do not possess a debit/credit card, there is a bank counter near the women's entrance, which can issue you a temporary debit card for a small fee.
After the health screening:
Results can take a week to come through, or can also be obtained online at http://eservices.moph.gov.qa/mcr/En/mcresults.jsp
On passing the medical test, adults will have to register their fingerprints digitally with the Ministry of Interior. The fingerprinting headquarters is located in Salwa Road, off the Industrial Area Flyover.
Other service centres are located in:
- Al Khor
- Mesaimeer
- Duhail
- Al Shamal
- Industrial Area (near Nissan Roundabout)
Note: The above-said medical rules and formalities are also applicable to the family of expats entering Qatar. Every adult family member is required by law to undergo a medical examination.
