Relocating to a Gulf country with your family is an exhilarating one. Nevertheless, prior to traveling, a number of expatriates have to pass through some formalities such as medical check-ups by Wafid system (previously referred to as GAMCA). Among the frequently asked questions by parents is whether Gamca Medical Test for Children is mandatory when trying to get a family visa. Knowledge of such rules can be used to prevent misunderstandings and time wastage when acquiring a visa.
We shall provide in this guide how the test is required in children, rules according to the age, how the process is done and what are the tips that help the family in preparing to move to the GCC countries.
How to comprehend GAMCA Medical Test for children.
The medical check-up is a compulsory health check-up conducted under the Wafid system which is a mandatory check-up administered to people intending to work or live in the GCC countries. Such nations are Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
This medical check is aimed at the fact that there is no risk of infectious diseases being brought into the country by new residents and endangering the community health. This exam is administered in certified medical institutions that are approved by Wafid in the native country of the applicant.
This medical examination is mandatory to the workers. However, in the case of family members, more so the children, the needs may differ according to the country and the age of the child.
Is a GAMCA Medical Test of Family Visa of the Children?
Young children would not need to be subjected to the entire GAMCA medical examination in the majority of cases when they are applying their family visa. The specific rule however varies according to the age of the child and the country of GCC.
Generally speaking:
- Children under the age of 12 years are not subjected to all the medical tests.
- Having children of 12 years and above, they might not be spared by the medical screening just like adults.
- Other countries might be asking health certificates only but not the complete Wafid medical examination.
The reason is that visa policies are subject to change and it is always a good idea to ensure that you have the latest requirements with the embassy or the visa processing center and then proceed with the application.
Answering the Question of Why Some Nations Mandate Medical Tests on Children.
Although children have low chances of having some medical conditions, the GCC countries occasionally insist that the older children undergo health checkups as a way of ensuring that the health standards are maintained.
Medical tests assist the authorities to identify such conditions like:
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV/AIDS
- Some infectious diseases.
In case of school going children or teenagers who are relocating to the Gulf, health clearance assures them of having the opportunity to gain safely in schools and communities without any health problems.
What Examinations Can Be Demanded in Older Children?
In case a child is over the age restriction of the destination country, the medical check up might involve some standard checkups. These usually involve:
1. General Physical Examination.
A physician examines the general health, weight of the child, his/her height and simple medical history.
2. Chest X-Ray
This is an examination that identifies the symptoms of tuberculosis or lung infections.
3. Blood Tests
A blood test can be conducted to test against infectious diseases.
The child examinations are, however, in many cases, not as complex and comprehensive as the examinations that adult employees must have.
Real-life Case Study: Family to Saudi Arabia.
Let’s take a simple example.
Suppose a software engineer in India moves to Saudi Arabia together with his family. He requests a family visa to his wife and two children one aged 8 and the other aged 14.
- The 8 years old child may not require the comprehensive medical check-up.
- The 14 years old child might also require doing the Wafid medical test prior to visa issuance.
In this situation, the parents are supposed to book the doctor visit of the older child at a licensed Wafid medical facility.
Registration of Wafid Medical Test.
In case it is necessary to take the medical test, then the registration process is not complicated.
Here are the basic steps:
- Go to the official Wafid registration of medical portal.
- Key in, the details of the passport of the applicant and the visa details of the applicant.
- Choose the medical center assigned.
- Pay the medical test fees either online or at the center.
- Go to the center on the set date of the examination.
The same takes a maximum of 2-5 working days depending on the medical facility to give the results.
Helpful Tips for Parents
It is sometimes stressful to prepare a medical test on a child. The following tips should help to make the process easier:
Bring all the necessary documents.
Carry the passport of the child, copy of the visa, and photos of passport size, and medical registration slip.
Select a suitable time of appointment.
Waiting time is usually down in the morning.
Describe to children of higher age.
Informed consent This will help them know what to expect so that they will not experience anxiety when taking blood tests or X-ray.
Test country-specific regulations.
The different GCC countries might slightly differ with the policy on child medical screening.
Typical Family mistakes not to make.
Small but avoidable mistakes cause many families to be delayed.
Some common issues include:
- Enrolling the child to the wrong medical group.
- Attending an unauthorized health center.
- Lacking the necessary documentation during the appointment.
- Failure to validate age-related exemptions.
A minor planning will save time and money.
Final Thoughts
Moving with family is a process that is associated with a number of procedures among which medical clearance is considered one of the most crucial. The Gamca Medical Test for Children is not always obligatory among young children, however, children of older age can also be forced to go through the test as per the regulations of the country of destination.
Some of the guidelines that can assist families to pass the visa office without any problems are the realization of requirements early, verification of official guidelines, and preparation of documents in advance to concentrate on the exciting adventure ahead.
FAQs: Gamca Medical Test for Children
1. Is GAMCA medical compulsory to the children on family visas?
Not always. Children younger than a specific age are not always subjected to the entire medical examination and the policies can differ by country.
2. What is the age at which children require a GAMCA medical test?
The medical test may also be taken on children whose age is 12 years or above in most GCC countries.
3. What is the duration of the Wafid medical outcome?
The majority of medical institutions present the results within 2 to 5 days (working days) following the examination.
4. Is it possible that children not to pass the medical test?
It is uncommon, though, in case of serious infectious disease being detected the applicant may be proclaimed medically incompetent based on GCC health rules.
5. Are GAMCA medical tests necessary among infants?
No, the entire medical examination is not usually done on infants and very young children when they seek family visa.