Dubai: Typing centres in Deira are bearing the brunt of frustrated visa applicants as the Ministry of Labour is rejecting medical clearance certificates issued by Dubai Municipality Health Clinics.

The centres say visa applicants are asking for refunds on their services. The Dubai Municipality certificates no longer satisfy ministry rules after a UAE Cabinet decision in April stated that municipal clinics would not be allowed to conduct medical tests for residence and labour visas.

“Many people are coming back and complaining,'' one typing centre manager said. “Certificates from Maktoum and Kuwait hospitals are being accepted, but not from the municipality.''

Medical facilities run by the preventive medicine department at the Ministry of Health, Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Health Authority are responsible for the testing.

“Some people are coming in and asking for their money back, but this is not our responsibility. They have to pay for this typing service — they can't get their money back,'' the manager said.

The Cabinet decision noted that the ruling would be enforced from July 1, but companies still send employees for medical tests to municipal clinics. The medical certificates are necessary to get a new employment visa or renewal.