Q: Are there instances where a worker gets repatriated to home country due to medical condition or denied visa (working/ residence)
A: The UAE has added blood-borne disease hepatitis C to the list of deportable diseases, which includes HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis B, effective July 1. Also STD Syphillis is included. In April 2008 the Cabinet approved including the new test for expatriates applying for residency and labour visas. The decision applies to the Health Ministry, and the health authorities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In case applicants will be found positiv to one or more of the mentioned diseases they will regarding their Nationality be deported or have 30 days time to leave the country. In case you want have to leave the country for any health reasons for good and have to give up your employment, the employer will bear the costs of repatriation. In case a worker rather seek treatment in his/her home country than in the UAE, it will depend on his/her healthcare provider if these costs are covered. If treatment is not possible in the UAE for any reason, the insurance has to bear the costs for treatment aboard. Take care.