Occupational Health Card in Dubai: How to get it
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Introduction
It is vital to hold on to the safety standards of your workplaces and the health of your employees in Dubai. There are multiple choices available to achieve this. However, an occupational health card can be your greatest help. There is a series of benefits available for the cardholder, and it comes with several trending features. But, in the recent era, there are many people who are not aware of this and don’t know how to get an occupational health card in Dubai. In this article, we will answer all your queries related to occupational health cards.
What is an Occupational Health Card?
Dubai is known for its robust infrastructure and effective economy. Many leading jobs in Dubai mandate the requirement for an occupational health card. This suitable card confirms that the cardholder is medically suitable for their respective designation, and it safeguards their health as well. Other than this, it also offers safety to their co-workers and the following workplace.
If we consider an example, think about electricians. They frequently work with electrical sockets and serve risky places as well. By promising they are physically capable of doing this work, an OHC can reduce the chances of accidents. So, Dubai has already made a major of its business sectors adopt this card without fail.
Is an occupational health card mandatory to work in the UAE?
In the UAE, it is mandatory for most of the sectors to get an occupational health card. This is majorly mandated for those fields that directly impact the safety and health of the public. Occupational health cards in Dubai are mainly issued by the Dubai Health Authority. With this card, you can prove your medical fitness to perform the duties without giving rise to any risks.
If you somehow neglect to get this health card, it can lead to hefty penalties for the employees as well as for the employer. The penalties might include fines and restrictions to work legally. So, you need to remember that this is not just a legal formality but also a public health safeguard that assures a hygienic and safe working environment.
List of professions and sectors that need an Occupational Health Card
An occupational health card is mandatory for workers working in specific sectors. For your convenience, we have listed some professions here:
Healthcare Workers
The roles include doctors, nurses, veterinary doctors, radiographers, assistants and laboratory technicians.
Food Handlers
The roles include chefs, cooks, waiters & waitresses, kitchen assistants, bakers, cashiers in food establishments, pastry makers, etc.
Salon and Spa Workers
The roles include hair stylists, beauticians, barbers, spa therapists, masseurs, nail technicians, etc.
Animal Handlers
The roles include animal trainers, veterinary doctors, nurses and technicians, and pet groomers.
Education Workers
The roles include kindergarten teachers, nursery teachers, babysitters and nannies, assistants, etc.
Construction workers
The roles include electricians, construction workers, plumbers, welders and machine operators, carpenters, etc.
Requirements to get an Occupational Health Card
Before jumping into how to get a health card in Dubai, you need to first of all understand its requirements. For a thorough knowledge, we have listed them here:
Recent passport-sized photographs
Valid Emirates ID
Passport Copy
Job Offer Letter
Vaccination records, if applicable
Medical fitness test reports
Application form
These are some of the essential requirements you need to be prepared with to get an occupational health card in Dubai.
How to Apply for an Occupational Health Card in Dubai?
Now, let us go through some integral steps to understand how to apply for a health card in Dubai. Here, we will explain both the online and offline process for your reference.
Let us first review the occupational health card online application process:
Prefer a DHA-approved Medical Facility
You can easily get a series of approved facilities after logging into the DHA official website.
Book an appointment
You can choose a medical facility of your choice from the DHA website by applying filters. After choosing the facility, you can schedule your OHC medical examination.
Fill up the application form
Now, you need to download the form through the DHA website.
Gather important documents
Some essential requirements include your Emirates ID, passport, medical reports, etc.
Attend the medical examination
Here, you will go through a medical check-up, where all the tests related to your job will be performed. Some of the eminent tests include blood tests, stool and urine tests, chest X-rays, and other necessary tests.
Submit your application
After going through the medical examination, submit your application for the OHC.
Pay the Fee
To process your OHC, you need to provide the payable amount. The cost will vary depending on your employment type.
Get your OHC
After you pass the medical examination and pay the fees, the authority will issue an OHC in your name.
Now, let us go through the offline process to apply for an occupational health card:
Choose a DHA-authorised Medical Fitness Centre
In the first process, you need to choose and visit a DHA-approved medical fitness centre, or you can also visit a legal typing centre.
Submit essential occupational health card requirements
Now, you have to thoroughly submit your occupational health card requirements such as passport, Emirates ID copy, employers’ details, and much more.
Go through the medical fitness test
You have to effectively complete the medical fitness test at the following centre.
Pay the fee
In the next process, you have to pay the viable amount as your fee.
Get your OHC
After passing the medical tests, the car will be issued or can be handed over to you as per the schedule.
Occupational Health Card Fees and Validity
The fees or price to get an occupational health card can vary due to several factors. Some of the essential ones include your profession, urgency, centre type, and the extra services you might require. However, the basic charge for the card remains around AED 170 to AED 600.
The OHC remains valid for around one year starting from the date of its issuance. However, it is necessary to renew your card within 30 days of its expiration to remain compliant with DHA regulations. You need to remember that the renewal process may include additional fees and valuable medical examinations. So, for a detailed review, you can inquire about your insurance provider.
How to check the status of my Occupational Health Card Application?
To check the status of your occupational health card application, you need to follow some steps. You can check the step-by-step process here:
Go through the official DHA Medical Fitness Application Portal
You need to first log in through the official Medical Fitness portal of DHA.
Verify the status check section
Now, you need to scroll to the label that reads ‘Check your OH Application Status’.
Enter details
Provide the required details like application number and password.
Submit the view status
After delivering your details, submit the form to view the current status of your application.
The difference between an Occupational Health Card and a General Health Card
You can go through the table below to get a detailed review of the occupational health card and the general health card.
| Occupational Health Card | General Health Card |
|---|---|
| This is for workers from several industries like healthcare, food, tech, etc. | This is for the general public health services |
| This is mandatory for specific job roles | This card is optional yet valuable |
| Ensures the worker is physically fit for the job role | Generally used for medical appointments or treatments |
| Issued by Dubai Health Authority | Issued by the government or public health providers. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Occupational Health Cards in Dubai
Where to Get a Medical Test for an Occupational Health Card?
To get a medical test for an occupational health card, you can choose any DHA-approved medical fitness centre. Choose a location that is convenient and values faster processing.
Is the Occupational Health Card mandatory for all workers?
The occupational health card is only mandatory for certain work sectors like healthcare, food, construction and salons. Other sectors may not require it unless and until it is specified by your employer.
Can I apply for the OHC before arriving in Dubai?
No, you can’t apply for the occupational health card before arriving in Dubai, as you have to apply for it within 30 days of your arrival. This is because the medical fitness test required for the card must be conducted at a DHA-approved centre in Dubai.
What happens if my OHC expires while I'm outside the UAE?
If somehow your OHC expires while you are outside the UAE, you must consider renewing it right after your return. With a renewal, you may lead to fines and suspension.
What medical tests are conducted for the OHC?
Some of the core medical tests conducted for the OHC include blood tests, chest X-rays, and screening for communicable diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, etc. However, the tests depend on your profession and requirements.
How long is the OHC valid, and how can it be renewed?
The OHC remains valid for one year, and it should be renewed annually to remain compliant with the DHA regulations. The renewal process includes undergoing a new medical fitness test and updating the documents through the DHA portal.
What are the consequences of not having a valid OHC?
Without a valid OHC, you may face the consequences of fines, suspension, or even legal action against you and your employer. It may also have an impact on public health.
Can I apply for the OHC online?
Yes, you can apply for the OHC online through the official website of DHA after completing your medical fitness tests at a DHA-approved centre.
Is there a grace period for renewing an expired OHC?
Yes, if somehow your OHC expires, you must renew it within five working days of re-entering the country to avoid any consequences. Delaying renewals may lead to fines or work suspension.