What are the next steps if I receive a "Fit" GAMCA medical report?

Congratulations on receiving a "Fit" GAMCA (now WAFID) medical report! This is a crucial step towards your work or residence visa for a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country.

Here are the typical next steps you'll need to follow:

Collect Your Medical Report/Certificate:

The GAMCA-approved medical center will issue you a "Fit" medical certificate.

• Ensure you receive the official hard copy. Some centres also provide online access to your report.

Important Note on Validity: A GAMCA fit report is generally valid for 60 to 90 days (2 to 3 months) from the date of issuance (this can vary slightly by country, but generally it's around 2-3 months). You must complete the subsequent visa procedures within this timeframe. If it expires, you'll need to undergo another medical examination.

Submit the Medical Report for Visa Processing:

If you are applying through a recruitment agency/employer:

• Your agency or prospective employer in the GCC country will typically handle the submission of your "Fit" medical report along with other required documents to the relevant embassy or consulate for your visa application. They will guide you through their specific process.

If you are applying independently (e.g., family visa, or if handling your work visa):

• You will need to submit the medical report yourself as part of your visa application package to the embassy or consulate of the GCC country you intend to travel to.

Document Verification and Attestation (if required):

Depending on the GCC country and the type of visa, your medical certificate (and other educational/personal documents) might need to be attested by various authorities, including:

• Notary Public
• Home Department/HRD (Human Resource Department) of your home state
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of your home country
• The Embassy/Consulate of the GCC country in your home country

Your recruitment agency or the visa processing guidelines for your specific GCC country will clarify if attestation is necessary for the medical report.

Visa Application Submission:

Along with your "Fit" medical report, you will submit all other necessary documents for your visa application. This typically includes:

• Original Passport (with sufficient validity)
• Passport-sized photographs (as per specifications)
• Offer Letter/Employment Contract (for work visas)
• Visa application form (duly filled)
• Educational and professional certificates (attested, if required)
• Other documents as per the specific visa type and country requirements.

Visa Stamping/Issuance:

Once your application is reviewed and approved by the embassy/consulate, your visa will be stamped in your passport or issued as an e-visa.

Travel Arrangements:

Only after your visa has been issued should you finalize your travel arrangements, such as booking flights.

Pre-Departure Orientation (Optional but Recommended):

Some GCC countries or recruitment agencies may require or offer pre-departure orientation programs. These sessions provide valuable information about the host country's culture, laws, customs, and working conditions, helping you adjust better.

Key Reminders:

• Keep Copies: Always keep multiple photocopies and digital scans of your "Fit" medical report and all other important documents.
• Adhere to Deadlines: Be mindful of the validity period of your medical report and other documents. Delays can lead to the need for re-tests or re-submission of documents.
• Stay Informed: Requirements can change. Always verify the latest requirements with the official embassy/consulate website of your destination country or through a reputable recruitment agency.
• Transparency: If you use a recruitment agency, maintain clear communication with them throughout the entire process.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful visa application for your move to a GCC country.