If you’re a healthcare professional looking to practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), obtaining a license from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOH) is an essential step. The MOH license allows professionals to work in the Northern Emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. This blog will guide you through the specific requirements and steps needed to obtain an MOH licence UAE.
Educational Qualifications
The first requirement for obtaining an MOH license is to have the appropriate educational qualifications. The MOH has set specific educational standards that healthcare professionals must meet to ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice. Depending on your profession, these qualifications may include:
- Doctors: A recognized medical degree (MBBS, MD) from a reputable institution.
- Dentists: A degree in dentistry (BDS, DDS) from an accredited university.
- Nurses: A diploma or degree in nursing (BSc Nursing, GNM) from a recognized institution.
- Pharmacists: A degree in pharmacy (BPharm, MPharm, PharmD) from an accredited university.
The degree must be from a recognized institution and accredited by the relevant authorities in the country where it was obtained. Additionally, it is important to have completed any necessary internship or residency programs as required by your specific field.
Professional Experience
Professional experience is another critical requirement for obtaining an MOH license. The MOH requires healthcare professionals to have a minimum amount of experience in their respective fields. The specific requirements vary depending on the profession:
- Doctors: Typically, at least two years of post-graduate experience are required.
- Dentists: A minimum of one to two years of clinical experience is generally necessary.
- Nurses: Nurses usually need at least two years of experience, although this may vary depending on the specialty.
- Pharmacists: One to two years of professional experience in a pharmacy setting is generally required.
The experience must be relevant to your field and should be obtained in a clinical setting that meets the standards set by the MOH.
Current License
To apply for an MOH licence uae, you must hold a valid and current license from the country where you most recently practiced. This license serves as proof that you are legally permitted to practice in your home country or any other country where you have worked. The MOH will require you to submit a copy of your current license as part of your application.
It’s important to note that if your license has expired, you may need to renew it before applying for the MOH license or provide an explanation for the gap in licensure.
Credential Verification (DataFlow Institution)
Credential verification is a crucial part of the MOH licensing process. The UAE’s MOH requires all applicants to have their credentials verified by the DataFlow Group, a leading primary source verification service. This process ensures that the educational qualifications, professional experience, and licenses submitted by the applicant are genuine and issued by recognized institutions.
To begin the verification process, you will need to create an account with the DataFlow Group and submit your documents for verification. This typically includes your educational certificates, professional licenses, and experience certificates. The verification process can take several weeks, so it’s advisable to start early.
MOH Examination
After your credentials have been verified, the next step is to pass the MOH examination relevant to your profession. The MOH exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in your respective field, ensuring that you meet the standards required to practice in the UAE.
- Doctors and Dentists: The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering a broad range of topics related to your field.
- Nurses and Pharmacists: Similar to doctors, nurses and pharmacists will also need to pass an MCQ-based exam tailored to their specific profession.
The MOH exam is conducted in several testing centers across the UAE and other locations worldwide. It is important to prepare thoroughly for the exam, as passing it is a mandatory requirement for obtaining your license.
Language Skill Ability
Proficiency in English is essential for all healthcare professionals seeking to work in the UAE. The MOH requires applicants to demonstrate their language skills through recognized language proficiency tests such as:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The required scores may vary depending on the profession, but generally, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent in TOEFL is necessary. Proficiency in Arabic can be an added advantage, though it is not mandatory for most professions.
Application Procedure
The application procedure for an MOH license involves several steps, including submitting an online application through the MOH’s official website. Here’s a brief overview of the procedure:
- Create an Account: Start by creating an account on the MOH licensing portal.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with your personal details, educational background, professional experience, and other required information.
- Upload Documents: Submit the necessary documents, including your educational certificates, experience certificates, license, passport, and language proficiency test results.
- Pay the Fees: There is an application fee that must be paid online during the submission process. The fee amount varies depending on the profession and the number of documents you are submitting.
- Submit the Application: After completing all the steps, submit your application for review.
Safety Clearance
Safety clearance is a mandatory requirement for all healthcare professionals applying for an MOH licence UAE. This includes obtaining a good conduct certificate or police clearance certificate from the country where you have resided in the past five years. This certificate proves that you do not have a criminal record and are fit to practice in the healthcare sector.
In some cases, the UAE authorities may also require a local police clearance, especially if you have been residing in the UAE for some time.
Medical Fitness
All applicants must undergo a medical fitness examination to ensure they are physically and mentally fit to practice as healthcare professionals. The medical fitness test typically includes a general physical examination, blood tests, and screening for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis.
The medical fitness test must be conducted at an MOH-approved medical center or hospital. The results of this test will be submitted directly to the MOH as part of your application process.
Issuance of License
Once all the above requirements have been met, and your application has been reviewed and approved, the MOH will issue your license. The license will allow you to practice in the Northern Emirates and is typically valid for one year, after which it must be renewed.
To maintain your license, you must continue to meet the MOH’s standards, including participating in continuous professional development (CPD) activities and adhering to the ethical guidelines set by the MOH.
Conclusion
Obtaining an MOH licence UAE is a comprehensive process that involves meeting strict educational, professional, and legal requirements. By ensuring that you have the necessary qualifications, professional experience, and language skills, and by successfully navigating the credential verification and examination processes, you can secure your license and begin practicing in the UAE. Remember to follow the application procedure carefully, and ensure that all your documents are in order to avoid any delays. Montgo Health offers expert assistance throughout this process, helping you navigate the complexities and ensuring your application is handled with precision. Once you have your MOH licence uae, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career in the UAE’s healthcare sector.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q. What is a MOH license in the UAE?
A. The MOH license, issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, is a legal authorization for healthcare professionals to practice in the UAE, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications and standards.
Q. How can I take the MOH exam in UAE?
A. To take the MOH exam in the UAE, candidates must register online on the MOHAP website, complete the application form, and pay the required exam fee to schedule their exam.
Q. How much is the MOH exam fee in UAE?
A. The MOH exam fee in the UAE typically ranges from AED 300 to AED 1,200, depending on the specific healthcare profession and exam requirements.
Q. How can I get a DOH license in UAE?
A. To obtain a DOH (Department of Health) license in the UAE, candidates must pass the HAAD exam, complete the DataFlow verification process, and submit the required documentation to the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi.
Q. Can I work in Dubai with MOH?
A. Yes, you can work in Dubai with a MOH license, as it is accepted there; however, you must also comply with any additional requirements set by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Q. What is the salary of MOH in UAE?
A. Salaries for healthcare professionals with a MOH license in the UAE vary widely, typically ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 30,000 per month, depending on the profession and level of experience.
