New standards introduced by authorities have meant that many typing centres in Dubai are no longer accepting applications. Applicants are being told to visit Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Medical Fitness Centres for filling up application forms for medical fitness tests, something every expatriate has to go through every two years.
Several typing centres have said this week, that they are no longer able to process applications. A number of them said only those centres who meet “new DHA requirements” can continue the service. The centres said that the new requirements include a new electronic system, a deposit amount, and a minimum space requirement, among other things. Though there has been no public announcement directing applicants to visit DHA centres rather than typing centres.
Expats are required to pass screening for certain infectious diseases before they can be issued a UAE residency visa. The application for taking the Medical Fitness tests are prepared by authorised typing centres. Applicants can also have the paperwork done at counters within DHA Medical Fitness Centres.
Dr Maisa Al Bustani, director of Medical Fitness at DHA, said the change in the medical fitness rules was being carried out to provide high quality of services to all Dubai residents. Dr Al Bustani said "The DHA will reopen the registration process soon and will certify more centre. We will announce within a couple of days the authorised centres that customers may approach".