Close relatives suffering from TB can stay in UAE

Dubai - This policy change by the UAE comes as good news to thousands of people ahead of World TB Day, which is marked on March 24 each year.

Close relatives -- suffering from tuberculosis (TB) -- of UAE residents will be allowed to stay in the country to keep the family structure intact and will be treated free of cost by the government, health officials have confirmed.

This policy change by the UAE comes as good news to thousands of people ahead of World TB Day, which is marked on March 24 each year.
Also read: People with old tuberculosis scars can get UAE visa

As reported by Khaleej Times on February 26, spouses, parents and children of UAE residents who have active TB, TB scars or old TB will be allowed UAE residency provided they follow a strict treatment protocol once in the country, said officials on Tuesday. Students, investors and diplomatic corps are also part of this exempt category.

Those who have been deported and banned from entering the UAE earlier due to the disease can re-apply for a visa provided they have a first-degree relative in the UAE who can sponsor them, said officials from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in a press briefing on Tuesday.

However, no new visas will be issued to people with active or old TB.

The process to implement the changes is still being set up by committees from the ministry, Dubai Health Authority and Health Authority of Abu Dhabi.

"Those who had been asked to leave the country earlier due to TB - including those who have been banned - and are now wishing to come back can reapply," said Dr Nada Al Marzouqi, Acting Director of Preventive Medicine Department at the ministry.

"They should be able to do this within weeks since we are setting up an implementation procedure with the Ministry of Interior," she clarified.

The changes in the law are part of a new medical fitness policy that the UAE has adopted. As per the UAE medical fitness policy, all new visa applicants and residents renewing their residency visas are required to undergo tests for communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS, pulmonary TB, Hepatitis B&C, syphilis and leprosy.

Other changes in the law include compulsory TB screening for all residents renewing their visas. "TB is no longer a stigma.if any UAE resident is found to have TB, he/she will no longer be deported as was being done earlier but will be quarantined and treated until the disease is no longer infectious (2-3 weeks)," said Dr Nada.

All patients, however, will be given a residence visa for a year and will have to follow a strict treatment guideline including three visits to the preventive health centres. "If they do not adhere to these guidelines, then the sponsor will be notified and the residency of the patient will be cancelled on the spot," she added.

Other medical fitness changes made include Hepatitis B screening for certain professions such as housemaids, nannies, cooks, health spa and healthcare workers.

Hepatitis C tests will be done for two categories -- barbers and healthcare workers.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai