Ric010

Hi,

My visa agent gulfvisa.com has said that a syphillis test is not needed in the medical report to work in the kingdom. Is this really the case?

As it mentions clearly on the medical report that you do.

I've been offered a job in Jeddah and got my doctor to do the medical.

He advised against getting the HIV test done by him as it would show up on my medical record.

So I have opted to get it done at a private clinic instead.

What do you think?

Cheers,
Ric

norsk

No idea about the syphilis, but what's the big deal? Get it done regardless. It's not like they are going to take another pint of blood or anything...

Also I'm curious what difference it makes to have a HIV test on your record. Nobody will see your medical record except you and your doctor, and surely having a HIV test done is not something that would raise any eyebrows.

Ric010

The visa agent said you don't need the syphillis test, so yey!

gottheTshirt

Gulf Visa told me I didn't need a medical !! I went to Harlymedi visa or whatever they call themselves on Harley street - very efficient I thought.

Obviously the only reason not to have a syphilis test is if you have got syphilis and not having the test is going to be pretty obvious.

gottheTshirt

I understand what you mean by not having the HIV test done by your doctor is that if you do and it is positive then it will be on your NHS medical record and you will have to declare yourself positive for ever more - this will affect health insurance etc. Whereas if you go to a private clinic and it is positive then you will just throw the result in the bin and pretend that you are negative. The flaw in the argument is that if it is positive you will need to get something done. You are not going to spend the rest of your life pretending that it is negative.

You also need to be aware that all these medical tests are repeated when you arrive in Saudi and if you do have HIV or syphilis you will be kicked out anyway.

Tigger99

Is the medical for the iqarma (spelling) ie residency permit as I'm in KSA on a business Visa and didn't have a medical. I guess you could just go back to the UK every three months for a two week break and just renew the business visa?

gottheTshirt

Medical is for the Iqama - basically, as I understand, the medical done in UK prior to getting a work visa is to confirm that you are going to pass the medical in Saudi and you don't get kicked out which is a hassle for everyone.

There is therefore no point in trying to fudge the medical for the UK application.

You cannot bring your wife out on a business visa,

Tigger99

OK that makes sense and clears a few things up.... In my case, part of my contract terms, were that on surviving the first few weeks here, my employer would also sponsor my wife on a business Visa..... Application already with MOFA for the invitation letter.

Happy days.... I hate having arguments on ther phone, much prefer having them face to face.