littlejimmy

Mr Anxious here again...


I've just seen a story about a guy who brought some prescription drugs into the UAE and got arrested for having too many, even though he's a cancer sufferer and had a prescription.


I take a few meds (BP/indigestion, etc) and was going to bring 3 months worth along with a GP's letter. Having done a quick check online I don't think anything I take is on the banned list, i.e. opiate-based/mind-bending stuff. Betablockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers...hmmm?!


So I am right to be worried, and is there any way I can mitigate this issue? I was going to get 3 months worth every time I went home, but maybe I'll have to rethink this. Presumably I could register with a doctor there and get the meds I need from them in the long term...

jam25mack

I'm sure I have read somewhere that you can mitigate the risk by taking your prescription to the UAE embassy and getting it stamped. We all know how they love a good stamp as that means someone has done the thinking for them.

It's be worth giving them a call either way.

littlejimmy

Thanks. I've had a look at a few websites including the embassy one. I might have to go down to London and get my stuff attested, which I could really do without. Flying out of Manchester on the morning flight on Saturday!

MAV_DXB

The list of unauthorised drugs is given on the website of the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention http://www.mohap.gov.ae

I read this yesterday:

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/uae-l...untry-1.693075

littlejimmy

She's staying at home...

Miss Ann Thrope

Most of that stuff, including the major BP medications, is available over the counter here as far as I know. I did exactly what you are planning to do when I first got here before I got a medical care provider established here. Your employer presumably has to provide you with health insurance and most coverage will include your doctor's visits (for prescriptions) and pills, maybe with a copay up to 20%.

I saw that story this morning too and was very surprised that the guy seems to have been detained for well over a month and nothing has emerged about the story until now...

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...r-cancer-pills

Compare that to the acres of coverage given to the thigh tickler for example and something seems a bit off...

littlejimmy

Yeah, I think I got panicked about it for nothing as usual. He was carrying 6 months' worth. I've liaised with my new company and they sent me a government guidance document which states that I can take 3 months supply with a valid prescription, and it doesn't have to be attested. You only need attestation and more documentation if you're carrying stuff on their lists, and you can only take a months' worth. I've checked and none of my meds are on the lists. No narcotics/psychotropics.


God, I'll be so relieved once I get off the plane and out of the airport!

TheSilverFox

You’ll be grand mate. Relax and enjoy the flight. Once you’ve the scripts you’re covered.

scot47

Get the medicines you need in the UAE. They have pharmacies. And doctors.

littlejimmy

I'll still need to bring some to tide me over. I take a few every day and can't see me getting registered with a doctor and a prescription that quickly.

carcajou

It's nothing to worry about - just follow the guidelines on the web site. Have the prescription with you.

Contrary to public perception - they do not go looking to bust people.

archie159

You might be amazed, if you are coming from the UK, how quick and easy it normally is in the UAE to get a doctor's appointment (unless you need to see a very obscure specialist, or a particular very popular doctor).
The bigger problem might be how long it will take for your company to arrange your medical insurance - normally they won't do that until your employment visa is finalised. However I believe (someone might correct me) that legally they have to medically cover you from the day you start paid work, so if you have medical expenses prior to the insurance being in place then they should reimburse you themselves. Maybe worth checking, however, before you do that!
Edited to add: it's not like the UK, you don't have to register with one particular GP first - you may call around and go to whoever you wish, as long as your insurance covers their scheme, and may go to a different GP each time if you want. You may also go straight to the specialist (ie without getting a GP referral) if you know what particular specialist you need to see.

carcajou

You are correct. You are covered on employer insurance from the second you enter the UAE, regardless of whether you have your card or not.

scrubbedexpat141

Between the plane and security when you land, shred everything try not to panic.

Bob

No triple crowns in public, mind!