Approach fitness centres in UAE to review immigration ban due to TB scars

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Approach fitness centres in UAE to review immigration ban due to TB scars

Dubai - The policy remains unchanged for people with active or old TB who are applying for a UAE visa for the first time.

by

Asma Ali Zain

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Published: Mon 8 Apr 2019, 7:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 8 Apr 2019, 11:34 PM

People banned by the UAE immigration after being declared medically unfit due to scarring on their lungs caused by tuberculosis (TB) can have their cases reviewed individually.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) was responding to Khaleej Times after a number of people said they received lifetime ban in the country after their medical fitness tests showed old TB scarring.
When asked if people with scars (not related to TB) will be allowed back into the UAE even after they have been banned, a spokesperson from the ministry said that such cases had been reviewed but within the context of the disease only.
"Results of unfit cases have been reviewed and the decision has been taken in relation to TB disease only," said the spokesperson. However, the cases are dealt with on an individual basis, added the spokesperson.
In 2016, the UAE reviewed its laws on TB and issued a ministerial decree that allows residents to sponsor their spouses, children and parents with old and cured tuberculosis even in cases where a permanent immigration ban has been put in place.
The policy, however, remains unchanged for people with active or old TB who are applying for a UAE visa for the first time. Other rules also remain largely unchanged which means people applying for new visas and undergoing compulsory medical fitness testing under the UAE laws will continue to be tested for HIV, TB, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C and pregnancy tests for certain categories such as maids, salon workers and food handlers. If found suffering from any of these infectious diseases, they will not be allowed entry into the UAE as per the law. Workers in the above categories will continue to be vaccinated against Hepatitis.
"A family member residing in the UAE can apply for removal of a TB ban for family members exempted under the 2016 ruling by visiting the same centre where they were screened for the first time," said the ministry spokesperson.
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.
Amended TB law
In 2016, the UAE reviewed its laws on TB and issued a ministerial decree that allows residents to sponsor their spouses, children and parents with old and cured tuberculosis even in cases where a permanent immigration ban has been put in place.
How expats can lift the immigration ban:
>Go to the same fitness centre where the family member was first tested
>Provide latest test reports to the health centre
>The health centre will send an "all clear" report to the Ministry of Interior  to lift the ban
Compulsory medical tests for visas under the UAE law:
>HIV
>TB
>Syphilis
>Hepatitis B and C
>Pregnancy tests for certain categories
KT IMPACT: Expat to be able to sponsor wife
Sandeep Nair, a Dubai resident whose wife was deported in 2013 due to a scar for TB found during a medical fitness test done during visa renewal, is now getting her back.
After 2013, Sandeep, too, had to quit his job in the UAE to go back to India because his family could no longer stay in the country. However, he came back in 2016, and since then he has been trying to sponsor his wife and child. "There is an immigration ban on her and so her visa was rejected. She could not even come to the country on a visit visa," he said.
He visited the UAE Consulate in Mumbai but could not get any clear directions on how the ban could be removed.
After getting guidance from Khaleej Times, Sandeep approached the fitness centre where his wife was first tested.
"I've been told that all I need to do now is to take her latest test reports to the occupational health centre in Mirdiff who will then send an "all clear" report to the Ministry of Interior in Abu Dhabi," he explained.
"This will all be done in two weeks and I will then be able to sponsor my wife. It is a big relief after years and am thankful for the guidance," he added.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com


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