Preparing for Your Migration Health Assessment for the UK
- Jay
- Jul 28, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 4
If you are planning to stay in the United Kingdom for six months or longer and have been living in or traveled to a country with a high TB burden in the last six months, you will need to undergo a migration health assessment to screen for tuberculosis (TB) as part of your visa application process. Here’s what you need to know about your upcoming migration health assessment at IOM’s Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC) in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Contact Information
Address: IBSL Building, No. 80A, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka
Phone Number: +94 11 2031 700
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Email Address: slaushap@iom.int
Booking an Appointment
How to schedule an appointment with IOM?
Schedule an appointment online via MyMedical IOM (https://mymedical.iom.int/apps/omas/#_frmHome)
Schedule an appointment through eChannelling
Call the IOM call center at 011 203 1700, weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Send an email to IOM at slaushap@iom.int
What to Expect at Your Appointment
The migration health assessment involves several procedures depending on your visa category, age, gender, and current health status. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Registration
Counselling: Explanation of the health assessment process, followed by signing an informed consent form.
Medical Examination: This may include a review of your medical history and current symptoms, a physical examination if clinically indicated, and a chest X-ray.
Clearance Certificate: If all tests are normal, the certificate will be issued on the same day.
Procedures by Age Group
Below the Age of 11 Years:
Medical history and current symptoms review
Physical examination if clinically indicated
11 Years and Above:
Medical history and current symptoms review
Physical examination if clinically indicated
Chest X-ray
Important Notes
Minors: Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can provide consent and make decisions on their behalf. If the parent is absent, the guardian should have a legal authorization letter.
Pregnancy: Women of child-bearing age may need to provide a urine sample to test for pregnancy before undergoing a chest X-ray. If you are pregnant, you have several options:
Proceed with the chest X-ray with double lead shielding.
Opt for sputum testing by providing a sputum sample over three consecutive days.
Wait until after giving birth to proceed with the assessment.
Tuberculosis: TB is a contagious bacterial infection spread through tiny droplets in the air. It can be either latent (no symptoms) or active (with clinical, radiological, or laboratory manifestations). If the doctor suspects active TB, you may need to undergo further testing, which involves providing sputum samples over three consecutive days. These samples are tested in a lab, and it can take up to 8-10 weeks for results. If diagnosed with TB, you will need to complete treatment before continuing the immigration process.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Identification Documents:
Original passport
National ID card or driving license
Photo ID of the accompanying parent/guardian if the applicant is a minor
Original birth certificate and a photocopy for children under 18
Medical Records:
Any medical reports with previous chest X-rays, especially if you were diagnosed and treated for tuberculosis.
Other Items:
Two recent passport-size color photographs with a white background
Document with permanent and current address in Sri Lanka, including telephone number and email address, and full address in the United Kingdom with phone number and postal code
Sponsor’s full name (for dependents)
Advice for the Migration Health Assessment
If a physical examination is required, you will be asked to remove your clothes and wear a medical gown while keeping your underwear on.
You may request a chaperone to be present during your physical examination.
Do not conceal any medical conditions or pregnancy, as it will not affect your immigration prospects.
Reschedule your appointment if you or your child are ill.
No need to fast before your appointment.
Only the applicant is allowed inside the premises due to security and space limitations.
Arrive at the MHAC 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
Migration Health Assessment Fees and Payment Information
Fees by Age Group:
Below the Age of 11 Years: USD 30
11 Years and Above: USD 60
Payment Method:
Payments should be made at the IOM MHAC on the day of the appointment in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR).
Only cash payments are accepted.
Ensuring you are prepared for your migration health assessment can help make the process smoother and less stressful. Follow the guidelines provided and bring all necessary documents to your appointment.
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