UAE Ministry of Health said on Thursday that workers coming from other countries to work in UAE suffering from Hepatitis B or C may get work permit in United Arab Emirates. The ministry has decided to refurbish the residency medical law.

According to the ministry, tests for hepatitis B will be needed only in six restricted professions whereas tests for Hepatitis C would be mandatory in any case.

Moreover, ministry has not changed any law regarding AIDS /HIV; in this case any expatriate who tests positive would be only deported.

Some categories of women workers have to pass through some of the revised pregnancy tests according to the new set of medical fitness rule to achieve work and residency permit in the country.

Health officials also announced that fee structure will remain unchanged and the date for implementing the rule will be decided in due course of time. Changes in the medical law are made after considering number of medical officials, reported by Executive Director of Health Ministry, Dr Mahmoud Fikri.

He said that many dignitaries like members from the Dubai Health Authority, Health Authority-Abu Dhabi and the Ministry of Health were involved in the technical committee.

Senior officials in Abu Dhabi and Dubai declared that this criteria is similar to other Gulf countries and will be applied everywhere in the world, particularly those articles governing TB.

The change in the medical law has mainly affected six categories of workers including nannies; housemaids; nursery and kindergarten supervisors; workers in hairdressing saloons, beauty centers and health clubs; anyone working in processing or food-control authorities; and those employed in cafes and restaurants.