In a significant development, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in the UAE has introduced a provision allowing foreign patients to bring their companions along when seeking medical treatment. This progressive move emphasizes the importance of ensuring a patient’s emotional and physical well-being during their healthcare journey. The ICP’s directive grants foreign patients the opportunity to enter the UAE under the sponsorship of the medical establishment where they are seeking treatment.
This initiative comes with a valuable provision – the entry permit for the patient’s companion can be extended, albeit once, provided that a duly certified medical report underlines the necessity of the companion’s presence. Such a report should highlight the patient’s need for ongoing treatment and the indispensable role of the companion in aiding the patient’s recovery process within the UAE.
Taking into account the patient’s specific requirements and ensuring a smooth process, the sponsor, typically a medical establishment, takes the responsibility of processing the entry permits required for the patient and their companion. This facilitation aims to streamline the entry process, eliminating unnecessary barriers for patients seeking medical care in the UAE.
In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs oversees the entry permit issuance process for treatment, ensuring that both public and private medical establishments can sponsor foreigners seeking medical attention. The entry permits come in two variants – single entry and multiple entry – catering to the varied needs of patients and their companions.
The required documents for processing the entry permit include a copy of the patient’s passport, a letter from a registered hospital explaining the purpose of the visit, along with the patient’s health insurance and financial security details. It is essential for the sponsor to be a hospital licensed and registered in the UAE, ensuring that the patient’s healthcare journey is under the supervision of accredited institutions.
In Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, the ICP offers an efficient and streamlined process for granting treatment and entry permits through their eChannels platform. This service encompasses the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. The ICP issues different types of entry permits for patients and their companions, including single entry and multiple entry treatment visas for individuals and family groups.
Expanding the focus to the companions of foreign patients in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs similarly grants entry permits for these crucial supporters. The permits are categorized into two types – single entry and multiple entries – allowing flexibility to cater to different circumstances.
The extension of the companion’s entry permit hinges on the endorsement of a duly certified medical report, which confirms the patient’s ongoing treatment requirements and the essential role of the companion. The necessary documents for processing this permit include the companion’s passport copy, health insurance details, and financial security information.
It is reiterated that the issuance of entry permits is strictly contingent on the medical sponsor being a duly licensed and registered hospital within the UAE. Furthermore, for companions to be eligible for the entry permit extension, they must enter the UAE alongside the patient, holding a similar entry permit.
The ICP’s commitment to facilitating entry permits for patient companions remains consistent across Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, operating via the efficient eChannels platform. This accessible and well-organized service encompasses a range of entry permit types, reflecting the diverse needs of both patients and their accompanying companions. As the UAE continues to make strides in healthcare and hospitality, this provision stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to comprehensive and compassionate medical care.