To obtain their iqama (resident identification card), all newly arrived expatriates, who came for work or to live in Saudi Arabia, must undergo medical tests. According to Saudi Arabian law, newly arrived foreigners go through iqama medical tests.

Saudi Arabia uses iqama medical tests to ensure national health security. To protect the Saudi population (citizens and expats) from diseases that newly arrived expats may carry, the authorities will collect the medical records of expats.

As soon as you enter Saudi Arabia as a worker or employee for an employer, your employer will ask you to go to the approved medical centers within your first week, for medical tests to obtain your iqama. A foreigner with an Iqama can work and live in the Kingdom until it expires.

While you are going to the Efada-certified medical centers near to your area, you must carry the following documents.

* Original Passport.

* 2 Passport size photographs with White background.

* Copies of your Passport and Visa.

* Vaccination certificate for meningitis if you are from Sudan. Most medical centers will provide this service if you don't have it.

* Those who come to work in agriculture must have a Schistosoma test certificate.

* A fee of approximately 200 riyals is charged for the Iqama Medical test.

* People coming from the below list of countries must have a pre-medical clearance certificate from their own countries, with the attestation of the recognized hospital or medical clinic in your area.

1. Bangladesh

2. Egypt

3. Ethiopia

4. India

5. Indonesia

6. Nepal 

7. Pakistan

8. Philippines

9. Sri Lanka

10. Sudan and

11. All African countries.

List of mandatory iqama Medical Tests in Saudi Arabia :

* Urine Test (Protein and Glucose)

* Stool Test (Salmonella, Microscopic)

* X-Ray (Chest)

* Blood Test (Malaria, HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis)

* Pregnancy Tests for females. 

* Clinical Tests (Herina, Blood Pressure, Eye Sight, Hearing, Chest and Heartbeat, etc.)

Your job at the Medical Center is complete once you have completed all the medical tests for iqama. The results of your medical tests will be available online through the Ministry of Health's Efada service. In two to three days, you can visit the same medical center for physical reports.

Dependents of expat workers who are over 18 years of age must take similar tests to obtain their dependent iqama. Children, however, are not subject to such strict laws, they can be examined based on their weight, height, and age.

SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES