Old tuberculosis scar forces married couple to live apart

People who have been cured of tuberculosis but still carry a scar on their lungs showing they had the disease are not permitted to enter the UAE.

Even though she has been cured of pulmonary tuberculosis, Gamila D, from Bulgaria, is banned from joining her husband in the Emirates.

She is no longer contagious but a scar on her lungs prevents her from coming here under legislation.

Gamila, 27, had landed a job at an airline in Dubai and the company requested that she complete a medical examination before arriving and applying for permanent residence.

But the company withdrew its offer when her X-rays indicated a previous incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis.

"They told me if you come here and then they find out you have old TB, they are just going to send you back," she said.

"I have the documents that prove that I've received treatment and that I'm completely cured, but I am still banned for life.

"I can travel anywhere in the world, except to any countries within the GCC."

Gamila is not alone in her struggle to pursue a life in the Emirates.

Mark Rael, from the Philippines, was cured of pulmonary tuberculosis in his home country in 2008.

He later had an opportunity to work in Fujairah. In 2009, he arrived in the UAE and underwent the medical tests for permanent residence.

The results were cleared and Mr Rael, now 32, was granted a work visa. However, upon completion of his work contract, Mr Rael decided to return to the Philippines.

After the ministerial health decree was issued last year that any kind of abnormality in lung tissue would prevent residency, he was not allowed to return to the UAE.

Earlier this year, Mr Rael found work at a construction company here. But when the company requested a medical check-up, a scar on his lungs appeared in the X-rays.

Mr Rael sought help from the World Health Organization, but was informed that it was not within the jurisdiction of the WHO to change a country's policies or regulations.

"I've lost my work and opportunities because of this," Mr Rael said. "I am now unemployed for more than a year since this policy is not only in UAE but throughout the entire GCC states. I just don't know who to ask for help."