Job Discussion Forums

BabyBird · Joined: 27 May 2015 Posts: 8

For those who have gone through the extensive medical exams involved with the visa process, can you confirm whether or not you were drug tested? I know that they are very concerned with HIV/AIDS, stds, and hepatitis, and that they want blood, urine, and stools (correct?)

For those who have indulged in recreational drugs, can your visa be denied if they detect drugs? Are they actively looking for this? I'm talking marijuana.

Does anyone know of someone's visa being denied due to this?

Not sure how taboo of a question this is, but better safe than sorry.

Thanks!

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

They don't test for the presence of drugs.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Medical for visa does not include this. Some companies may give you an extra medical, but I have not heard of anything. Maybe some of those military outfits ?

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

Some of those military outfits definitely do. Department of Defense contractors do.

Maybe that's because you'll be working on or around sophisticated aircraft and/or ordinance systems.

Anybody may be tested on arrival if they appear high/drunk, even if you have a prescription from your country.

Beast · Joined: 13 Nov 2005 Posts: 120

Odd that they would test for drugs. Especially since you can get Codeine pain killers over the counter at the Drug Store. Solpadeine....

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Not in Saudi !

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

I wouldn't want to fly on an aircraft serviced by mechanics using mind altering drugs. Even worse, flying over countries with a stoned crew controlling anti-aircraft batteries.

bigdurian · Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:52 am Post subject:

I'm changing company and the new people have drug tested me. There is no test for drugs in the medical for the visa, but I was subjected to extensive background checks and drug testing. For what it's worth they tested for: cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and PCP. So I guess the LSD and ecstasy is okay.

This is for a company contracting with the Saudi Air Force

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Man, these military dudes are so authoritarian ! No drink and no dope !

Beast · Joined: 13 Nov 2005 Posts: 120

In pharmacies you can get Solpadeine over the counter. Each has 8mg of codeine. It kills any pain you have.