The GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association) medical test is a mandatory requirement for expatriates and their families applying for visas to work or reside in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Understanding the time frame for the medical test is crucial to ensuring a smooth visa application process and avoiding delays. Here’s a breakdown of how long the GAMCA medical test typically takes for family visa applicants and factors that can influence the timeline.
Time to Complete the Medical Examination
The actual GAMCA medical test itself is a relatively straightforward process, typically taking about one to three hours to complete, depending on several factors:
- The number of family members being tested: If you are applying for a family visa, each member of your family will need to undergo separate medical exams. The overall time may be longer if you have a large family.
- Availability at the medical centre: If the medical centre is busy or understaffed, waiting times may increase. However, once the examination begins, the medical tests themselves are usually completed within a few hours.
The medical examination includes a physical check-up and tests for various conditions such as tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and other communicable diseases. The process involves blood tests, x-rays, and a general physical examination.
Time to Receive Test Results
The time it takes to receive the results of the GAMCA medical test can vary, but results are typically available within two to five business days. After the tests are conducted, the medical centre will send the results electronically to the relevant visa authorities in the host country. You can also follow up with the GAMCA-approved medical centre for an update on your results if necessary.
Some factors that can affect how long it takes to get the results include:
- The efficiency of the medical centre: Some centres are faster in processing and delivering results than others, particularly those in busy areas that cater to many expat applicants.
- Retesting: In cases where further investigation is required due to abnormal test results, the time frame can be extended. For example, if a TB test shows abnormalities, the applicant may need to undergo additional testing, which could add a few extra days or weeks to the process.
Planning to Avoid Delays
Given that the entire process—from the initial examination to receiving the results—can take up to a week or more, it’s important to schedule your GAMCA medical test well in advance of your planned visa application submission. Many expats make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to schedule their medical examination, which can lead to delays in their visa process.
By booking an appointment early and ensuring all family members are prepared for the test, you can minimize potential delays. Additionally, if any family member has a pre-existing medical condition, it’s advisable to bring relevant medical records to the examination to avoid complications or unnecessary retesting.
What to Do If Delays Occur
If there are any delays in receiving your GAMCA medical test results, contact the medical centre directly for an update. In some cases, delays can occur due to high volumes of applicants or issues with test results that require clarification. Keeping in communication with the medical centre and your visa sponsor can help mitigate these delays.
Conclusion
For family visa applicants, the GAMCA medical test process typically takes about one to three hours for the examination, with results usually available within two to five business days. Planning and scheduling your appointment early can help avoid delays. Factoring in some extra time for unforeseen delays, especially if retesting is required, will ensure that your visa application process goes smoothly.
