GAMCA Medical Examination for Gulf-Bound Indian Workers - What Gets
The GAMCA medical rejects 18% of first-time Indian applicants. This guide covers every test performed, which conditions trigger rejection,
GAMCA Medical Examination for Gulf-Bound Indian Workers - What Gets You Cleared and What Gets You Rejected
Before a Gulf work visa can be stamped, your body has to pass a government-mandated test. The GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centres Association) medical examination is not a formality - it is a hard gate. In 2024, 18% of Indian first-time applicants were either rejected or flagged for further review. Most of those rejections were preventable.
This guide tells you exactly what the test involves, which results end your application, and what you can do before you book to reduce your risk.
What Is GAMCA and Who Controls It
GAMCA is a consortium of medical centres approved jointly by the GCC countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Every Indian worker heading to one of these countries on a work visa must complete the GAMCA medical before their visa can be processed.
The list of approved GAMCA centres in India is maintained at gamca.net. There are over 100 approved centres across the country. You must use a centre on this list - any other medical test is not accepted, regardless of which hospital conducts it.
Cost: Approximately ₹2,000-3,500 depending on the centre and destination country. Result validity: 3 months from the date of testing. If your visa process takes longer than 3 months, you will need to retest.
What the GAMCA Medical Tests For
The examination covers six categories:
1. Communicable Disease Screening (Blood Tests)
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HIV (1 and 2)
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Hepatitis B (HBsAg)
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Hepatitis C (anti-HCV)
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Syphilis (VDRL/RPR)
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Malaria (in some centres)
A positive result on HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C is an automatic rejection in all six GCC countries. There is no appeal process.
2. Tuberculosis (Chest X-Ray)
The chest X-ray screens for active pulmonary TB. Active TB is an automatic rejection. Latent TB (no active disease, no symptoms) is usually accepted, but results vary by destination country - Qatar and Kuwait apply stricter thresholds than UAE and Bahrain.
3. Physical Examination
A general clinical assessment. The examining doctor checks for conditions that would prevent safe working - severe mobility impairment, visible untreated infections, extreme blood pressure readings.
4. Blood Glucose
Uncontrolled diabetes (fasting glucose above approximately 200 mg/dL in most centres) can result in rejection or a "conditional" result requiring specialist documentation. Managed diabetes with a normal range result typically passes.
5. Blood Pressure
Severely elevated readings (above 180/110 sustained) can flag a result. One-time high readings from exam anxiety are common - centres typically allow a short rest period before re-measuring.
6. Urine Analysis
Checks kidney function markers. Abnormal creatinine or protein levels may require additional testing.
Which Conditions Result in Automatic Rejection
| Condition | Outcome |
|---|---|
| HIV positive | Rejection - all GCC countries |
| Active Hepatitis B (HBsAg positive) | Rejection - all GCC countries |
| Active Hepatitis C | Rejection - all GCC countries |
| Active pulmonary TB | Rejection - all GCC countries |
| Pregnancy | Rejection - most GCC countries for work visas |
| Active syphilis (untreated) | Rejection pending treatment |
What to Do Before You Book Your GAMCA Test
This is the step most candidates skip - and it is the step that prevents most rejections.
Step 1: Get a pre-assessment from your regular doctor
Before booking GAMCA, get a basic blood panel from any accredited lab. Check HBsAg, HCV, blood glucose (fasting), and a chest X-ray. This costs ₹1,500-2,500 and tells you your likely GAMCA result before the official test. If anything shows up, you have time to manage it.
Step 2: Manage blood glucose before testing
If you have diabetes or borderline glucose levels, bring it under control for at least 2 weeks before the test. Fasting glucose in the 100-130 mg/dL range is generally cleared. Above 200 mg/dL creates risk.
Step 3: Treat active infections
GAMCA tests are snapshot assessments. If you have an active, treatable infection (syphilis, certain bacterial conditions), completing treatment before the test changes the result.
Step 4: Book the test early in your process
GAMCA results are valid for 3 months. If you book too late and your application gets delayed, you will pay and queue again. Book as soon as you know your target country - even before you have a confirmed job offer.
What Happens If You Are Rejected
A GAMCA rejection is not the end of your Gulf plans in every case.
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Hepatitis B carriers (HBsAg positive but no active liver disease): Some GCC countries, particularly Oman and Bahrain, have pathway exceptions for certain roles in non-healthcare sectors. This requires specialist documentation from a hepatologist. Get professional guidance before giving up.
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Latent TB: Completing a documented treatment course (6 months) and retesting often results in clearance.
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Borderline glucose or BP: Manage the condition medically and retest after 90 days.
One destination country's rejection does not automatically apply to others. A candidate rejected for a UAE role may still be eligible for Oman or Bahrain depending on the specific condition.
The GAMCA Checklist
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Check approved centre list at gamca.net before booking
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Get a pre-assessment blood panel at least 2 weeks before GAMCA
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Fast for 8-10 hours before your appointment (glucose and urine tests require fasting)
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Bring your passport original for identity verification
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Arrive rested - sleep well the night before (affects blood pressure)
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Bring any ongoing medication documentation from your doctor
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Budget for ₹2,000-3,500 + travel to centre
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Book early - 3-month result validity starts from test date, not clearance date
One Final Point on Timing
The single most common GAMCA mistake Indian candidates make is treating it as the last step. It should be one of the first. Candidates who complete GAMCA before applying - and note "GAMCA cleared, ready to travel within 30 days" in their applications - consistently get shortlisted faster. Employers filling roles under time pressure choose the candidate who can travel immediately over the equally qualified candidate who still needs to book their medical.
Three hours at a GAMCA centre today can move you from the backup list to the first offer.
GAMCA for Healthcare Workers: Additional Requirements
Indian nurses, lab technicians, and allied health professionals face additional screening requirements beyond the standard GAMCA panel when applying for clinical roles in Qatar and Kuwait specifically.
Qatar's QCHP (Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners) and Kuwait's MOH both require a separate communicable disease declaration signed by a licensed physician, in addition to the standard GAMCA report. This declaration confirms that the candidate does not have any condition that would create infection risk in a clinical setting.
For nurses and technicians applying to Qatar or Kuwait, confirm with your recruiter whether the supplementary declaration is required for your specific role. Missing this document after GAMCA clearance is a common cause of unnecessary delay in healthcare placements.
When your documents are ready, apply to verified employers directly on skilledupIndia.
