Working in Dubai without an occupational health card could cost you heavy fines or shut down your business.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) legally requires this vital document that you must get within 30 days after starting work or changing your visa status in Dubai. Dubai municipality's occupational health card regulations apply to employees who work in public health sectors. This includes food handlers, salon workers, beauticians, fitness center staff, and nursery employees. The medical test for your occupational health card proves you can safely do your job and meets workplace requirements.
Many workers find it hard to understand the process, costs, and when to renew. Your occupational health card fees in Dubai can range from AED 170 to AED 600 based on the services you pick. The card lasts only a year from when it's issued, so you need to renew it annually.
This piece will help you understand how to get and renew your Dubai occupational health card without stress or complications.
Who Needs an Occupational Health Card in Dubai
The Dubai occupational health card system covers professions of all types and sizes. Both employers and employees in the emirate need to know who must have this card.
Jobs that require an OHC
We made occupational health cards mandatory for workers hired in establishments that directly affect public health. Dubai Health Authority standards require these cards for many professional categories:
- Food service workers and handlers in all food establishments
- Beauticians, salon workers, barbers, and spa employees
- Nursery and kindergarten staff
- Health club and fitness center employees
- Construction workers
- Healthcare workers
- Drivers (including RTA drivers and heavy machinery operators)
- Manufacturing and factory workers
- Waste management and hygiene service employees
The DHA has set specific screening requirements for more than 20 job categories. These include agriculture industries, car workshop employees, cement and textile workers, electric service providers, and maritime workers.
Why some roles are exempt
All but one of these jobs in Dubai need an occupational health card. The requirement targets positions that affect public health or have workplace hazards. Office workers, corporate employees, and professionals who don't interact with the public or handle consumable goods usually don't need one.
The occupational health card medical test checks if workers have infectious diseases that could spread to the public. Jobs without these risks only need the standard medical fitness certificate for visa processing.
How to confirm if your job needs one
Not sure if you need an occupational health card in Dubai? Here's how you can find out:
- Ask your employer's HR department since they know the regulatory requirements
- Reach out to the Dubai Health Authority for official guidance
- Check your employment contract that lists these requirements
- Contact Dubai Municipality if your business falls under their jurisdiction
You'll likely need an occupational health card if you work closely with the public or handle consumable goods. The safest way to avoid penalties is to get confirmation from official channels if you're unsure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an OHC
Getting your occupational health card in Dubai involves a step-by-step process. Here's a simple guide to help you get this significant document:
1. Choose a DHA-approved medical center
Start with an authorized medical facility from the official Dubai Health Authority website. You can visit Al Nahda Medical Center, Muhaisnah Medical Fitness Center, or Salem Medical Fitness Center. These centers provide detailed occupational health services.
2. Book your appointment online
Pick your preferred facility and schedule your medical examination through their online portal. The centers offer flexible appointment times with filters you can use based on location and availability. You can also call the facility directly to set up your visit.
3. Fill out the OHC application form
The OHC application form is available at the medical facility or can be downloaded from the DHA website. Your employer's HR department or authorized typing centers might handle this process.
4. Undergo the occupational health card medical test
Your appointment will include several medical examinations based on your profession. Standard tests include:
- Blood tests to screen for communicable diseases
- Chest X-ray examination
- Stool and urine analysis
- Additional tests based on your job requirements
5. Submit documents and pay fees
You'll need to provide these documents:
- Passport copy
- Visa copy
- One passport-sized photograph
- Emirates ID (optional but recommended)
6. Receive your OHC
After passing the medical examination and completing payment, authorities will review your test results. Your occupational health card will then be issued and remains valid for one year from the issue date. Note that you must apply within 30 days of starting employment or changing visa status.
Documents, Fees, and Validity
You need a complete documentation package before applying for your occupational health card Dubai. The requirements are simple, and knowing the exact fees and processing times will save you time and effort.
List of required documents
Your occupational health card application needs these items:
- A clear copy of your passport
- A copy of your valid UAE visa
- One recent passport-sized photograph
- Emirates ID copy (this can speed up the process though it's optional)
Some specialized jobs need more documents. Healthcare workers and drivers might need extra paperwork to prove their qualifications and job roles.
Occupational health card Dubai fees breakdown
Your profession and required tests determine the costs:
- Food Handlers: AED 290
- Healthcare Workers: AED 690
- Beauticians and Spa Workers: AED 660
- Construction Industries: AED 320
- Car Workshops & Service Centers: AED 460
- RTA Drivers Screening: AED 290
Simple fees range from AED 170 to AED 600 based on your job category and extra services. Each transaction includes a small DHA Noqoodi charge of AED 3.
How long the card is valid
Your occupational health card stays valid for one year from when it's issued. You must renew it within 30 days after it expires to avoid penalties. All professionals need yearly verification, whatever their job or nationality.
Fast-track options and processing time
The standard process takes 2-5 working days after your medical examination . Test results and current application numbers affect this timeline.
Many medical centers provide quick services for extra fees. These express options cut down waiting times. Some centers give medical examination results in 15-20 minutes.
Al Nahda Center promises test results within 2 hours through their express services. The final card still follows DHA processing schedules.
Renewal and Compliance Tips
You need to understand the renewal process and risks of non-compliance to stay compliant with occupational health card regulations. This piece will walk you through everything you need to know.
Occupational health card Dubai renewal process
Start your renewal at least 30 days before expiry date to avoid penalties. The renewal follows the original application process. You'll need to visit an authorized health center for new medical tests, submit required documents, and pay renewal fees. Employees who return from abroad with an expired card must renew within 5 working days of re-entering the UAE.
Penalties for expired or missing cards
Late renewals will cost you a Dh310 fine. The business risks go beyond just financial penalties. Employers might face temporary suspension of business activities or legal action for repeated violations. Working with expired health cards can lead to fines between AED 500-5,000 per employee.
Difference between OHC and Medical Fitness Card
The occupational health card focuses on workers in public health-related roles like food handling, healthcare, and beauty services. It ensures they don't carry communicable diseases. The Medical Fitness Card serves a different purpose - it's tied to residency visa requirements and includes broader health screening.
Tips to avoid delays or rejections
The best approach is to start 2-4 weeks before your card expires. Keep all your documents ready - your expired OHC, passport copy, valid UAE visa, Emirates ID, and recent photo. You can use fast-track services to accelerate the process when needed.
Conclusion
Getting your occupational health card is a significant step to work legally in Dubai. This is particularly true if you work in food service, healthcare, beauty, or other public-facing industries. The complete process helps you avoid potential fines and stay compliant with Dubai Health Authority regulations.
You are responsible for timely application and renewal as a worker in Dubai. Start your renewal at least 30 days before expiration. Businesses can face penalties up to AED 5,000 per employee for non-compliance.
The process might look overwhelming at first. But with proper preparation, you can follow a straightforward path we've outlined in this piece. Keep your documents ready, pick an authorized medical center, and set aside money for your profession's specific fees.
Your occupational health card proves you're medically fit to perform your job duties safely. This protects your health and the wellbeing of the public you interact with daily.
Employers must ensure their staff has valid occupational health cards. This helps them avoid business disruptions, fines, and temporary closures.
This detailed guide gives you everything you need to direct yourself through Dubai's occupational health card requirements. On top of that, staying proactive about deadlines and renewal dates helps you maintain continuous compliance throughout your Dubai employment.
Key Takeaways
Understanding Dubai's occupational health card requirements is essential for legal employment and avoiding costly penalties that can reach up to AED 5,000 per employee.
- Workers in food service, healthcare, beauty, construction, and public-facing roles must obtain an OHC within 30 days of employment
- Application fees range from AED 290-690 depending on profession, with the process taking 2-5 working days at DHA-approved centers
- Cards are valid for only one year and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration to avoid AED 310 fines
- Required documents include passport copy, UAE visa, passport photo, and Emirates ID for a smooth application process
- Fast-track services are available for urgent applications, with some centers offering results within hours for additional fees
The occupational health card serves as your gateway to legal employment in Dubai's public health sectors. By following this systematic approach and staying proactive about renewal deadlines, you'll maintain continuous compliance while protecting both your career and public health standards.
