The Ministry of Health has announced that it will cancel HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis testing for resident permit (Iqama) renewal applicants except for the nationals of ten countries with high rates of affliction. The ministry sent circulars to all health affairs administrations to cancel HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis tests for Iqama renewal applicants except for nationals of specific countries. The circular said that first-time arrivals to work in the Kingdom were required to take the tests. Those whose test results prove negative will be inoculated with a first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine when they are re-tested upon arrival in the Kingdom and prior to their Iqama being issued.
