Now 'Drug test' for expatriates

Thursday, June 8, 2023

The Ministry of Interior is planning to introduce a “drug-free test” for adult expatriates to combat the scourge of drugs, limit its spread in the country, and dry up its sources. According to reports, the plan is to add it as part of the medical tests required for newly arriving expatriates. The negative drug test result test will be linked to the issuance of visa - either for work, visit or joining family, and will be also required for renewal for some categories of residents.

The resident will have to undergo the test and submit its result within the rest of the requirements when applying for the renewal of his residency.

The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health is working on identifying the centers that are equipped for this purpose, similar to the biometric centers, in addition to allocating specialized medical and security staff.

In the event that the result of the test is positive and it is proven that the expatriate took drugs, deportation measures will be taken against him immediately, and the residency is not renewed.

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