Job Discussion Forums

Bowden_PSM · Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 9 Location: outside Abu Dhabi

Hello all,

First off, I would like to thank everyone who assisted me in a previous thread about applying to positions within the Middle East during the 2014 TESOL Arabia conference. I was fortunate enough to interview for a bunch of positions and have been offered a few.

One is with a big company in Abu Dhabi. I will go through a security check and medical soon. Could anyone tell me what the security check involves and how detailed it is? Will they be asking for Criminal Record Checks and if so, from my country of citizenship or all countries I have lived in? For the medical checks, is it a simple physical or would it be extensive like blood work and urine?

I assume the standards are similar for GCC jobs, but would also expect each place to have different requirements. I would be grateful for whatever info could be provided, past experiences and so on.

Thank you all in advance.

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

You really should be directing these questions to your contact at the company.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

The problem is that there is not only great variation between countries, but there are variations between employers within the UAE. So, there is no quick and easy answer, which is why Nomad suggested that you ask the employer(s) making any offer.

For example, my job with a UAE government institution didn't require that I provide anything for the security check. They did whatever it was that they do and apparently I passed since I didn't receive word that my offer was cancelled. (and yes, there have been people that failed this check for reasons never divulged by the employer... not many... but it has happened. Thus, any blot on your past might resurface or might not...)

The medical test was done after arrival. It was basically a blood test (for AIDS) and an X-ray for TB.

So... YMMV...

VS

optimistic · Joined: 04 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

I have gone through a security check as part of my application for a part-time position. I was given an application form to fill in. The secretary insisted that I answer in my native language so I guessed that this form will be sent to my country. After 3 weeks, I received a phone call from HR saying that I passed the security check. That's it!

Bowden_PSM · Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 9 Location: outside Abu Dhabi

Thank you for the details. The checks seem to differ widely between employers so far as my research informs me. I suppose I will wait and see. I see no need to press the issue at present.

xray · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 24

Medical is straightforward, although , and many if not most people especially westeners are not aware of this .....if any scarring shows up on the xray, meaning you had TB in the past and now fully cured and not contagious you will fail the medical, your visa will be cancelled and you will be deported and banned from enerting the UAE for life.

They may do other tests to affirm you do not have active TB - however evidence of old scaring is suffficent to get the ban.