Philippines and GCC update medical screening rules for overseas workers

The Philippines and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have updated the medical screening protocols for Filipino overseas workers to ensure health compliance before they depart for the Gulf region. The move, announced on Thursday, 6 August, standardizes clinical examinations and diagnostic tests required for work visa eligibility in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. The revised system integrates digital health tracking to prevent the falsification of medical records and streamlines the accreditation of clinics authorized to conduct these screenings. Under the updated framework, the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) will work in coordination with the Gulf Health Council (GHC) to monitor the performance of accredited medical facilities across the archipelago. Health compliance and visa processing The updated screening system focuses on infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable conditions that could impact a worker’s ability to fulfill their contract. This synchronization is intended to reduce the number of "unfit" cases reported after workers arrive in GCC member states, which often leads to immediate deportation and financial losses for both the employee and the recruitment agency. According to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the alignment follows recent bilateral discussions aimed at protecting the welfare of the millions of Filipinos currently employed in the Middle East. The GCC…