You have your job offer and entry permit. Now what?
Are you worried about which medical center to trust in Pakistan? Do you know the difference between the medical test for a work visa and a family visa? What happens if your report is fit, but the UAE authorities still reject your paper? These are the real questions that cause major stress and delays.
If you are planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for employment or as a domestic worker, completing the mandatory medical examination is the most crucial step. Failing to complete this test correctly means your visa process can face immediate rejection or delays.
This guide simplifies the entire process for Pakistani applicants:
- The Full Process: How the medical test is conducted in Pakistan.
- Required Documents: A clear checklist of all necessary papers.
- The Vital Secret: We explain exactly why your medical report is not accepted directly by UAE authorities until it has been officially attested by MOFA Pakistan and the UAE Embassy/Consulate.
We provide this information to make your complex visa journey easy and stress-free.
What Is the “UAE Embassy Medical”?
The “UAE Embassy Medical” refers to the mandatory health examination required for UAE work or domestic worker visas before you are allowed to travel.
This medical test is conducted in Pakistan exclusively through the GAMCA (Gulf Cooperation Council Approved Medical Association) / WAFID system. This is the official system approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for all visa applicants traveling to Gulf countries. It ensures that incoming workers meet the public health standards required by the UAE.
Who Must Do the WAFID/GAMCA Medical in Pakistan?
The pre-departure GAMCA medical is strictly required only for applicants in Pakistan who fall under the following categories:
Applicant Type | Details |
🟢 UAE Work Visa Applicants | This includes individuals applying for private company jobs, skilled workers, and unskilled workers. If your visa is tied to employment, this medical is mandatory before travel. |
🟢 Domestic Worker Visa Applicants | Categories like housemaids, nannies, drivers, cooks, and helpers must undergo this medical test in Pakistan. |
These groups require a pre-departure medical test done in Pakistan before the final visa stamping can take place.
Who Does NOT Need the GAMCA Medical?
It is crucial to understand that the GAMCA system is designed for pre-departure medical checks (applicants currently in Pakistan).
If you are already inside the UAE, you must follow a different process. You will not go through GAMCA.
Applicants who are already in the country (e.g., on a tourist visa, or holding a residence visa for renewal) must complete their medical tests through the UAE’s local health authorities:
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Centers
- Emirates Health Services (EHS) Centers
This inside-country process is used for:
- Changing from a tourist visa to a residency status.
- Family visa applications.
- Residence renewals.
- Investor and Golden visa medicals.
- Freelance and internal company sponsorships.
Mistake Alert: Trying to use a GAMCA report if you are already inside the UAE will cause your visa application to be rejected. Always use the DHA or EHS centers for the local UAE process.
Where Is UAE Medical Done in Pakistan?
You can only get the UAE medical done at special centers that are officially approved by WAFID/GAMCA.
These approved centers are located in big cities across Pakistan, like:
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Lahore
- Karachi
- Multan
- Faisalabad
- Peshawar
- Sialkot
- Quetta
- Gujranwala
Listen Closely: You cannot choose which medical center you want to go to. When you book your test online, the WAFID system will pick the center for you automatically. You must go to the place written on your slip.
How to Book the UAE GAMCA Medical
Booking the GAMCA medical test is a required step before you visit the clinic. Follow these five simple steps to get your appointment slip:
Step | Action |
1. Visit the Portal | Go to the official WAFID website. |
2. Enter Passport Info | Put in all your passport details exactly. |
3. Pay the Fee | Pay the official GAMCA booking fee online. |
4. Download the Slip | Immediately download and print the appointment slip. |
5. Visit the Center | Go to the assigned medical center on your slip. |
Documents Required
When you go for your GAMCA medical test, make sure you carry the following original and photocopied documents. If you forget any of these, the center might not allow you to take the test.
- Original Passport (The most important document)
- Passport Photocopy (A clear copy of the main page)
- 2–4 Passport-size Photos (Recent photos are best)
- GAMCA/WAFID Slip (The printout from the online booking)
- Original CNIC (Your National Identity Card, highly recommended)
Medical Tests Included
The GAMCA medical check focuses on public health and making sure you are fit to work. Here are the tests you will take:
Test Type | What They Check For |
Physical Examination | A basic check of your general health. |
Blood Tests | Screening for serious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, and Malaria. |
Chest X-ray | This is mandatory to check for Tuberculosis (TB). |
Urine Test | A standard check for other general health markers. |
Results and Validity:
Your medical reports are usually issued within 24 to 48 hours. Once issued, the medical report is typically valid for 60 days.
Fit / Unfit Results
After the test, you will receive one of two results:
🟢 FIT: This is the good result. Your visa stamping process can proceed.
🔴 UNFIT: This means your visa may be rejected. Rejection usually happens if serious medical conditions are found, such as active Tuberculosis (TB), HIV, or other active infections.
Important Clarification: UAE Medical Inside UAE vs Pakistan
Many applicants get confused about where they should take their medical test. Here is a simple way to remember the rule:
- If you are in Pakistan (for a Work or Domestic Visa): You must do the GAMCA / WAFID Medical. This is the mandatory pre-departure check before you travel.
- If you are already inside the UAE: You must use the local UAE health system (DHA or EHS Medical Centers) for status changes or renewals.
Remember: If you are already in the UAE, you must not try to use the GAMCA system. Use the local Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Emirates Health Services (EHS) centers only.
Is GAMCA Medical Accepted Directly?
Many people believe that once they get their “Fit” report from the GAMCA medical center, they can submit it directly for UAE visa approval.
This is NOT correct.
For your medical report to be officially recognized and accepted by the UAE authorities, it must go through two mandatory attestation steps in Pakistan:
- Attestation by MOFA Pakistan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
- Attestation by the UAE Embassy / UAE Consulate in Pakistan.
Without these two attestations, your medical report will be rejected or cause serious delays during your final visa processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The WAFID/GAMCA booking token fee is around PKR 4,000 to 4,500. Check the official WAFID portal for the latest rate.
It generally takes 5 to 10 working days for MOFA and UAE Embassy attestation after submission.
Not necessarily. An old scar usually leads to extra tests or, in the UAE, a one-year conditional visa for monitoring.
Yes. A family member or an authorized service like Satti Services can handle the attestation submission for you.
The GAMCA report is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Stop Delays: Secure Your Medical Attestation Urgently
Your “Fit” medical report needs the MOFA and UAE Embassy seal to be officially valid. This complex paperwork is the biggest cause of visa delay.
⭐ Satti Consultancy & Services specializes in urgent and hassle-free attestation services.
We Guarantee Fast Acceptance By:
Handling Both Steps: We manage submission, tracking, and collection from both MOFA Pakistan and the UAE Embassy.
Zero Error Risk: We ensure documents are perfectly prepared to prevent rejection.
Contact Us today to secure your attested medical certificate fast and avoid costly visa delays.
Final Note
If you are applying for a UAE work permit or domestic worker visa from Pakistan, keep these three essential rules in mind:
- Rule 1: Pre-Departure Test: You must do the GAMCA medical while you are still in Pakistan.
- Rule 2: Attestation Required: Your GAMCA medical report is NOT accepted directly by UAE authorities.
- Rule 3: Official Verification: The report must be attested by MOFA Pakistan and the UAE Embassy for full, official acceptance.
Remember, applicants who are already inside the UAE must complete their medical tests through the local DHA or EHS systems, not GAMCA.
