A new centre to process medical fitness certificates required for residence permits will open in Sharjah this year. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Medical District, said, "The centre will help to reduce the pressure on the existing centre, which receives hundreds of applicants every day."

The centre will have the latest medical equipment used for blood tests and radiology managed by skilled doctors and nurses. Dr Khalifa Al Qutti, Director of the Sharjah Preventive Medicine Department, said, "We are only waiting for the arrival of the new X-ray machine to get the centre ready to receive applicants."

The centre will mainly handle certificates for those working in management and administrative positions as well as government employees. "The existing centre will handle the applications of other categories including car technicians, construction workers, welders, plumbers, restaurant staff and domestic helpers," Al Qutti said. The present centre receives more than 300 applicants daily.