UAE pilgrims need H1N1 clearance before getting Haj visa

Muslims in the UAE planning on performing Haj this year will need to prove they are not infected with the H1N1 virus (better known as swine flu) in order to get the Haj visa, reported Khaleej Times on Monday.

Mohammed Obeid Al Mazrouie, head of the UAE Official Haj Mission and executive director of the authority, told the paper the measure was only necessary for those planning to perform Haj.

“We are joining hands with the Ministry of Health and other local health authorities to lay out the standard health form for the medical fitness certificate,” he said.

The certificate must be issued by accredited government health providers, not private clinics or hospitals. They need to be signed by the doctor present.

Al Mazrouie also said the Health Ministry will set up an e-system to weed out fraudulent certificates.

“The government is taking these measures to protect pilgrims from diseases before they depart the country (for) the holy lands,” he said.

“Consequently, the authority will not allow any person to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Haj this season without submitting this certificate.”