When you are intending on travelling to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, or Bahrain on work-related grounds then one of the most significant steps is completing your WAFID / GAMCA medical appointment. There is a lot of confusion on the procedure, documents required, the choice of medical center, and the validity of reports by many applicants.
In this article you will learn all about WAFID medical and GAMCA medical appointment booking, how to book appointments, what kind of tests are performed and how to prevent some mistakes.
What is WAFID Medical?
WAFID is a web based medical registration system that is applied in medical fitness tests which are mandatory in GCC countries. Previously, the majority of applicants referred to it as GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association), but today in most instances it is being processed through WAFID portals and approved Wafid medical centers.
A WAFID medical appointment is simply your medical screening registration towards Gulf visa processing. Once you book, you are given an approved medical center in which you will take your test.
Definition of GAMCA Medical Appointment?
A GAMCA medical appointment would be defined as a booking of medical tests in approved medical centers under GCC. This appointment is to ensure that the applicant is medically fit to work and live in Gulf countries.
The term GAMCA appointment is still used even nowadays by a significant number of people as it is a well-known name in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Reasons why WAFID / GAMCA Medical is Compulsory?
Gulf nations need medical screening since they would like to know that the workers entering their countries have been screened and do not harbor any deadly infectious diseases and are health-wise fit to work.
The WAFID/GAMCA medical test is necessary to:
- Work Visa
Family Visa (in certain instances)
- Residence Visa
- Some long visit visas.
Your visa may be refused or postponed without this medical fitness report.
Where WAFID / GAMCA Medical is needed in countries.
GCC countries, such as WAFID and GAMCA medical tests, usually require:
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Qatar
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
Medical criteria vary in each country; nevertheless, the process is generally alike.
Booking WAFID / GAMCA Medical Appointment (Step-by-Step).
It is now possible to book a WAFID or GAMCA medical appointment online. The standard procedure most applicants use is as follows:
Step 1: Log in to the WAFID Portal.
Access the official WAFID booking portal where you can register a medical appointment.
Step 2: Passport Information.
You will be required to fill in information like:
- Passport Number
Full Name (as per passport)
- Nationality
- Date of Birth
- Gender
Step 3: Choose Country of Destination.
Select your GCC country of application (Saudi Arabia, UAE, and so on)
Step 4: Select Medical Center Location.
Select your city/region. The system will indicate your authorized medical centers.
Step 5: Make Payment
The money is normally paid online via debit card/credit card/net banking.
Step 6: Download Appointment Slip.
Upon receiving a payment, you will receive a WAFID/GAMCA appointment slip. The significance of this slip is that it contains:
- Appointment number
- Medical center name
- Address
- Date and time (where possible)
Paperwork needed in WAFID / GAMCA Medical.
In case you go to the medical center, bring the following documents:
- Original Passport
- Appointment Slip Printout
Passport sized pictures (typically 2-4)
- Copy of visa (where possible)
- National ID (in some cases obligatory)
- Past medical history (where necessary)
Hint: The rule is to always bring 2-3 photocopies of your passport and appointment slip.
Medical Tests/done during WAFID/GAMCA Examination.
The physical check-up will entail common health check-ups, such as:
- Blood Test
This involves screening of:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Syphilis (sometimes)
- Chest X-Ray
Mostly performed to detect:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Lung infections
- Urine Test
Applied in general screening.
- Physical Examination
A physician examines simple health status such as:
- Blood pressure
- Weight & height
- Vision
- General body fitness
Additional tests can be added based on the destination country.
WAFID Medical Report Time?
Generally, the medical report is revised in less than:
2 to 5 working days
Certain centers might require more time based on the number of people, number of tests, or further checking.
The health report is normally posted online and it can be verified online with your reference number or passport number.
WAFID / GAMCA Medical Report Valence.
WAFID/GAMCA medical report validity is normally:
90 days (3 months)
Nevertheless, other nations might be different in terms of rules based on visa type. One should always request the stamping of their visa shortly after obtaining the medical clearance.
Issues that are likely to arise during the time of booking WAFID / GAMCA Appointment.
The errors that many applicants experience include booking. The following are some of the problems:
- 1. “Unfit” Previous Medical.
The system could prevent you from making new appointments in case you had a previous medical report and it was marked as unfit.
- Passport Details Mismatch
Booking can fail in case your name spelling or number of the passport is incorrect.
- Not Allocated Medical Center.
In some instances the slip is created but the address of medical center is not available. This is a system problem and this can be resolved by rechecking after some time.
- Check cleared but Value of Check subtracted.
In these instances, money is typically refunded in 3-7 working days.
Advice to Pass WAFID / GAMCA Medical.
Though the majority of healthy people pass easily, it is preferable to prepare:
- At least 7 days prior to the test, avoid smoking.
- Take lots of water prior to urine test.
- Get a rest before the appointment date.
- Do not drink heavily.
- Carry correct documents
Consult a doctor before the test, in case you possess any medical condition.
What to Do in case of Unfitness of Medical Result?
When you find that your outcome is unfit, then you need not panic. In other instances it can occur because of minor problems such as:
- High BP
- Temporary infection
- Wrong X-ray result
- Lab error
You may seek clarification with the medical center or use the formal re-test procedure in case it is possible.
Making a WAFID / GAMCA medical appointment is an important procedure to be undertaken by anyone who intends to work in the Gulf countries. It is largely an online procedure and when you have the right papers and preparation at hand, you can easily go about your medical without any further issues.
When you are planning on your GCC visa trip, ensure that you have your appointments made in advance to avoid delays in getting your visa.
Questions and Answers – WAFID / GAMCA Medical Appointment.
Q1. Is GAMCA and WAFID identical?
Yes, the previous is GAMCA, and the new is WAFID, which is the booking of medical appointments.
Q2. Is it possible to select my personal medical center?
In most instances, you have the choice of authorized centers that are available in your city.
Q3. What is the number of days taken by the report?
Usually 2–5 working days.
Q4. Is Gulf visa medical?
Yep, GCC work and residence visa require medical fitness.