Expat testing measures amended, some fees canceled by health ministry

Muscat: Dr Hilal Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, has amended procedures on expatriates’ medical check-up made prior to obtaining or renewing residency status.

The decision also cancels some fees charged against medical checks in private health institutions with effect from November 1, 2022. The step reflects the Ministry’s keenness on streamlining procedures and cutting down the costs.

The new amendments provide that expat check-up applications be submitted via Sanad Offices, along with RO 30 application fees. Once the application is submitted and fees are paid, the expatriate conducts the required medical check-up at one of the designated health centre, with no further fees incurred.

The test results will then be forwarded to the Ministry of Health, which approves them electronically and delivers the document to the expatriate applicant within 24 hours.

Earlier, expats had to pay fees twice: fees for undergoing check-ups at health institutions and more fees to the medical check-up results approved by the Ministry of Health.