Muscat – H E Dr Hilal Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, has directed amendments to procedures of visa medical check-up when applying for new or renewing residency visas in the sultanate, in addition to cancelling related fees at private health institutions with effect from November 1.

The new amendments stipulate that the visa medical check-up application form should be requested from Sanad Offices for a fee of RO30 followed by a medical examination in any private medical fitness centres for which there is no charge.

The residence visa medical check-up results will be uploaded and approved electronically by the Ministry of Health. The applicant can collect the report within 24 hours.

Earlier, visa medical check-up in private health institutions involved a fee in addition to a fee for MoH approved results.

The new decision reflects MoH’s keenness to regulate visa medical check-up services in a streamlined and cost-effective manner.

In June, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) appealed to MoH to exempt expatriate workers from medical examination fee in its efforts to support the private sector. The request was raised at OCCI Dhahirah branch’s third meeting of 2022 headed by Saif bin Said al Badi, head of OCCI Dhahirah.

Badi said, “OCCI values the Royal Directives to provide facilities to small and medium enterprises, which in turn will enhance their capabilities and resources. It will also help them grow and increase their contribution to the GDP.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, expatriate workers were required to get a check-up done at MoH medical centres for visa processing and were charged RO30.