GCC Countries Medical Requirement – Wafid (GAMCA) Medical Test Guide

GCC countries follow strict medical fitness rules for foreign nationals applying for work, residency, or long-term visas. Each applicant must undergo a Wafid (GAMCA) medical test as per the health regulations set by the respective Gulf country. Although the testing standards are similar, medical requirements and job-based rules may slightly vary from country to country.

This page provides a clear overview of GCC country-wise medical requirements to help applicants understand what to expect before applying for a Gulf visa

GCC Countries Covered Under Wafid (GAMCA) Medical System

The Wafid medical system applies to the following GCC countries:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Bahrain
• Yemen

Each of these countries accepts medical reports only from

Wafid-approved medical centers.

Saudi Arabia : Any​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ people or resident in Saudi Arabia must undergo a comprehensive medical examination. The applicants will be tested for infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and overall health. Besides that, people in specific job sectors like medical workers and house helpers might be asked to take additional ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌tests.

UAE : “The UAE is primarily concerned with the detection of infectious diseases and the general health assessment of the applicant. Fitness standards might be different depending on whether the visa is for work or residency. Also, the medical testing can be repeated during the visa renewal process.”

Qatar :  requires a full medical screening of all expatriates before a work visa can be issued. There are cases where the authorities conduct additional medical examinations after the arrival in the country.

Kuwait :  focuses on the identification of both infectious diseases and chronic illnesses through the medical test. The applicants must be physically fit as per the set standards so that they can work safely in the local environment.

Oman : Health clearance for expatriates in Oman is a thorough medical examination for most visa applicants. The screening generally covers infectious diseases, with a focus on tuberculosis. Chronic diseases and overall physical fitness are also ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌assessed.

Bahrain : Bahrain implements common medical standards for the six GCC countries. Medical clearance is a must to get a work visa and for living in the country for a long time.

Yeman : Yemen is in line with GCC health screening standards and therefore accepts Wafid medical reports for visa ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌processing.

Common Medical Tests Across All GCC Countries

While minor variations exist, most GCC countries require:

• Blood tests for infectious diseases
• Chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening
• Urine analysis
• Physical examination
• Vision test
• Additional tests based on job role or country policy