The United Arab Emirates has reinforced health screening protocols for expatriate workers, including Kenyans, requiring mandatory tests for HIV and active Tuberculosis (TB) before work or residence permits are granted.
All foreign nationals seeking employment or residency must submit negative results for HIV and show no evidence of active TB as part of the federal health requirements.
Additional Screening for High-Contact Occupations
Specific groups with frequent public interaction or vulnerable contacts face further testing. These include employees in nurseries, salons, food service, domestic roles such as housemaids and nannies, as well as workers in gyms and health clubs. They must also test negative for syphilis and Hepatitis B.
Female domestic workers are additionally required to provide a negative pregnancy test to complete their medical clearance.
Emirate-Specific Procedures and 2016 TB Resolution
Screening approaches vary slightly by emirate. For example, Abu Dhabi mandates chest X-rays for pulmonary TB screening on all new arrivals, whereas Dubai does not require chest X-rays at initial entry but includes TB testing in its health checks.
A 2016 Cabinet Resolution introduced compulsory TB screening for expatriates renewing their residence visas. Those diagnosed with past or active TB, including drug-resistant strains, receive conditional fitness certificates and one-year visas to complete treatment within UAE healthcare facilities rather than facing immediate deportation.
This policy aligns with World Health Organization efforts to curb the TB epidemic while balancing public health safety and patient care.
