Before a domestic worker can legally work in Bahrain, they must pass a medical fitness examination approved by LMRA. This is a mandatory requirement for all domestic employee work permit applications. This guide covers Wafid requirements, the examination process, scheduling, costs, and what to do if the exam needs rescheduling.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 🏥 Approved Provider | Wafid — wafid.com |
| 📍 When Required | Before entering Bahrain or before work permit issuance |
| 🌐 Schedule Online | wafid.com |
| 🔄 Rescheduling | Available via Bahrain National Portal |
| 📞 LMRA Contact | +973 17506055 |
🏥 What is Wafid?
Wafid is the official pre-employment medical examination platform for GCC countries. LMRA Bahrain requires domestic workers to complete their medical examination at Wafid-accredited centres in their home country before entering Bahrain.
Wafid-approved centres are available in major domestic worker source countries including the Philippines, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, and others.
📋 What Does the Medical Examination Include?
- ✅ General physical health assessment
- ✅ Communicable disease screening (TB, Hepatitis, HIV)
- ✅ Blood tests
- ✅ Chest X-ray
- ✅ Fitness certificate issuance
⚠️ Special Country Requirements
🇵🇭 Philippines: The original Wafid medical examination certificate must be submitted to LMRA.
🇪🇹 Ethiopia (from GCC countries): The original medical exam from approved medical centres must be submitted.
🌍 Countries without Wafid centres: Use the Non-Wafid Medical Check-Up Form and attach it to the LMRA application.
🔄 How to Complete the Medical Examination
Visit wafid.com to find the nearest approved medical centre in the worker's country.
Worker undergoes all required tests including blood work, X-ray, and physical examination.
If the worker passes all tests, a medical fitness certificate is issued by Wafid.
Attach the Wafid certificate when applying for the domestic work permit through LMRA EMS.
📅 Medical Examination Rescheduling
If the domestic worker needs to reschedule their medical examination appointment, this can be done through:
- 🌐 Bahrain National Portal
- 📞 LMRA Call Centre: +973 17506055
- 🏢 LMRA Branch in person
❌ What if the Worker Fails the Medical Examination?
⚠️ If a domestic worker fails the Wafid medical examination, LMRA will not be able to process the work permit application. The employer must arrange for a replacement worker or wait until the worker is cleared medically.
Workers who fail can reapply for the medical examination after treatment and recovery.
📍 LMRA Branches
🏛️ LMRA Main Office — Sanabis
📅 Sunday – Thursday | 🕐 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
🏬 Seef Mall — Al Muharraq
📅 Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sunday – Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wafid medical exam mandatory for all domestic workers in Bahrain?
Yes — all domestic workers applying for a work permit in Bahrain must have a valid Wafid medical examination, unless their country has no Wafid centres (in which case an alternative form is used).
How long is the Wafid medical certificate valid?
The Wafid medical fitness certificate is generally valid for 3 months from the date of issue. The LMRA work permit application must be submitted within this period.
Where can I find Wafid-approved centres?
Visit wafid.com to search for accredited medical centres by country and city.
Can a domestic worker already in Bahrain get their medical exam done locally?
If the worker is already inside Bahrain (on a visit visa or changed status), the medical examination can be conducted at LMRA-approved health centres within Bahrain.
Who pays for the Wafid medical examination?
Costs vary by country and centre. The employer typically covers or reimburses the medical examination costs as part of the recruitment package.
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📌 Source: LMRA Bahrain Official Website — Updated 2026. Always verify the latest requirements at lmra.gov.bh.