Job Discussion Forums

[lazarenoir]

Hello,

I'm in the process of applying for employment visa for KSA. I've just completed my medical report, and all is good. There's just one quirk--notation of a "history of (suggested) bipolar disorder".

I used to have depression, and saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with bipolar disorder. When I saw this PC [edit: meaning, when I *first* saw this PC, some years back], I mentioned that, so it got put into my medical history. Unfortunately, while it is clear now that this was a misdiagnosis, my PC can't legally take the risk of stating that the history doesn't exist, unless the psychiatrist affirms that the diagnosis was incorrect. However, the psychiatrist can't write such a letter because I haven't seen him in years (we terminated treatment because I no longer needed it)--you see the irony, I hope!

The medical report states as above: "history of (suggested) bipolar disorder", and my PC marked "no" to all questions about whether I have any mental or physical disabilities, as well as pronouncing me fit for the position.

I am wondering whether the mention of such a disorder will damage my chances at a successful visa application, or whether relevant officials will take the whole report into account.

I realize this is a very specific question, but hoping there may be someone(s) with insight. I haven't submitted the paperwork yet, so if it seems likely to be denied as-is, I would consider getting an independent psych evaluation in order to strike the disorder from my history (if possible). But that will involve a good deal more time, not to mention money, so I don't want to pursue that option unless necessary.

Thanks in advance!

[lcanupp1964]

Just go see a new general practice doctor at a strip mall, get another regular medical check-up and don't disclose anything to the new doctor about you past history (if you want the job bad enough) and have him/her fill out a new medical report.

The embassy will not bother themselves by checking on your medical history as long as a cert. medical doctor fills out and signs your paperwork that you are "healthy", you will be fine. If the embassy sees on any medical report a "history of bipolar disorder", you will (more than likely) not get a visa.

[babur]

[lcanupp1964]

Yea, no worries - I'm mostly f-ed myself, but you would not be able to get your visa processed if you have anything other than "none" checked in the box.

[gorkomi]

Oh no

[lazarenoir]

Icanupp,

The boxes are all marked "none"---but there is a question that asks about whether there is any history of depression etc, and that's where she mentioned bipolar disorder. She said since it's in my chart, she can't say it's not there, because she'd be risking her license; but she has affirmed that I have *no* mental disorder, in the box that asks for that.

If someone reads the whole thing, of course, they can put those together--the history of bipolar is only suggested, and she has no mental disorder. But I know in many areas of the works, including ME, this is a highly stigmatized area, so my concern is whether the mere mention of the term will compromise my chances.

You are thinking yes, it will?

[scot47]

It varies with employers. Some are not concerned.

[lcanupp1964]

That's why I suggested you get another doctor that has never seen you before to give you a normal check up and fill out the medical form that you print out on the KSA embassy website and have the new doctor sign it. Now, you don't have a "chart" for anyone to look at. Unless you are from the UK where they might keep a detailed list of all your visits and therefore, any doctor you see, he/she will have access to ALL your information. I don't know being from the States. I have seen many doctors over the years and I never had to worry about showing anyone my old medical records. It takes just a few more minutes for the new doctor to get your medical history. Just don't talk about your bipolar thingy. Very simple way to solve this rather small problem to make sure no one will red flag your visa application.

I feel that if you leave the info on the form, it will, like you write, "compromise [your] chances".

[lazarenoir]

Yes, I hear you. It's difficult because getting the medical side completed is not an especially simple process here--I've heard the UK report is quite simple, but the report I have to complete involves extensive lab work and a chest X-ray along with the basic physical. On top of that, it's not easy getting an appt with a doctor if you don't already have an established relationship; so now that I've had the report and labs completed, I'd be looking at adding at least another 6 weeks til I can get a new report with a different doctor, plus paying for it a second time. Which just means I'm reluctant to do it, but of course if it means the difference between rejection/approval of the visa, it's well worth doing.

Will have to do some thinking on this. Thank you!

[nomad soul]

See "Low-cost US med tests & exam for employment visa"
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=95008

[lazarenoir]

Excellent! Thank you so much, that's extremely helpful.

[Cletus]

KSA is a rough place mentally for first time folks. Kuwait is a better first time place IMHO.

[scot47]

There are some very crazy foreigners working in KSA, but the problem for the OP is how to get INTO the place.

[river nile]

Hi lazarenoir,

I think a letter from your G.P. explaining the ' real problem' would also be helpful. Our friend and forum member Al has done his med check and although he is diabetic and it is on the same report that he took to the embassy they didn't ask him a single question about it. He was ready (carrying his GP letter ) but they didn't give a rat's arse!

check this thread

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=106546

[lazarenoir]

Thanks, river! I've been wondering if I'm not over-thinking it in this matter--it does mention this history, but it also clearly states that I have no mental disorder, and that I'm declared fit. It occurs to me that my worry over it may be inflating the issue unnecessarily.