Before a domestic worker can legally enter Qatar, they must pass a mandatory pre-employment medical examination at a Qatar-approved medical centre in their home country. This guide covers approved centres, required tests, costs, and what happens if the worker fails.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 🏥 Exam Provider | Qatar-approved medical centres (GCC Health Portal) |
| 📍 Where Done | Worker's home country (before entry) |
| 💰 Cost | QAR 200–300 equivalent in local currency |
| ⏱️ Certificate Validity | 3 months from date of issue |
| 🌐 Check Results | GCC Health Portal |
| 📞 MADLSA | 16008 |
🏥 What Tests are Included?
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chest X-ray | Tuberculosis screening |
| Blood tests | HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis |
| General physical examination | Overall health assessment |
| Pregnancy test (women) | Qatar entry requirement for female workers |
| Drug screening | Substance abuse detection |
⚠️ Pregnancy: Female domestic workers who are pregnant may be refused entry to Qatar. This is an existing Qatar immigration rule. Workers should be aware before applying.
🔄 Medical Examination Process
The employer or agency identifies a Qatar-approved medical centre in the worker's home country. Check the GCC Health Portal for the latest list.
Worker undergoes chest X-ray, blood tests, physical exam, and any additional country-specific tests.
Approved centres upload results directly to Qatar's health monitoring system.
Employer or agency checks the results at GCC Health Portal.
If the worker passes all tests, a medical fitness certificate is issued — valid for 3 months.
Attach the medical certificate to the Qatar work visa application through Metrash2.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Qatar-approved medical centres?
Visit the GCC Health Portal and select Qatar to find the list of approved centres in each source country.
What if the worker fails the medical exam?
If the worker is declared medically unfit, the work visa cannot be processed. The worker may seek treatment and reapply after recovery. The employer must find an alternative worker in the meantime.
Does the domestic worker need another medical exam after arriving in Qatar?
Yes — after arriving in Qatar, the worker must also register for a Qatar Health Card which involves a local health registration process.
Who pays for the pre-employment medical examination?
Typically the employer or the recruitment agency pays. Workers should not bear this cost — paying for their own medical exam as a condition of employment is considered an illegal recruitment fee.
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📌 Source: Qatar Health Requirements Portal — Updated 2026. Always verify latest requirements at portal.www.gov.qa