Hi, the situation for me is the same above, my medical done in Last Dec. 2016. My case was lodged with federal on July 2015 and since March 2017, my application shows that background checking is under progress. I just need to know when would possible for the PR to be issued.
I think the reason behind this delay is the background check. My guess is that it is a major issue that takes long time in the gulf area. Once it is done, they will ask for the passports. It is the same for all of us and since it is taking long time, they started delaying asking for medical requests. I submitted my application 21 months ago and I have not got the MR yet. I have a friend who lives in Kuwait and who applied under federal skilled worker program and his visa office was London and yet he got his Passport request one month before the expiry of his medical.