Uzbekistan to require HIV tests for returning migrants and foreign workers

A bill on mandatory HIV testing of Uzbeks who returned from abroad has been adopted

The deputies considered and adopted in the third reading a bill providing for mandatory HIV tests for citizens of Uzbekistan who have returned from abroad after staying for more than 90 days, as well as for foreigners arriving in the country for employment.

The bill proposes to make a number of amendments and additions to the Laws “On Counteracting the Spread of the Disease Caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV Infection)”, “On Sanitary and Epidemiological Well-Being of the Population”, “On Private Employment Agencies” and “On Employment of the Population”.

In particular, the mandatory medical examination for HIV of citizens of Uzbekistan aged 18 to 60 who have returned after a continuous stay abroad for 90 days or more, foreign citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in the territory of Uzbekistan or arriving in the country for the purpose of employment is determined.

According to the document, a mandatory medical examination for HIV of citizens of Uzbekistan who have returned after a continuous stay abroad for 90 days or more, as well as stateless persons permanently residing in Uzbekistan will be carried out at the expense of the State Budget. Foreign citizens and stateless persons arriving in Uzbekistan for the purpose of employment and/or permanently residing on its territory will be examined at the expense of their own funds, the employer’s funds or other sources not prohibited by law.

In addition, it is proposed to establish as one of the licensing requirements for private employment agencies the obligation to organize training of citizens traveling abroad in the legislation and rules of residence of the host state, as well as providing them with the necessary information materials.

The deputies noted that the adoption of the bill will serve to prevent the spread of infectious diseases that pose a threat to human health, protect the health of the population, and form effective legal mechanisms to ensure social security in the process of labor migration. The bill was sent to the Senate.

It should be noted that the establishment of a 90-day period is justified by the fact that this infectious disease manifests itself in the human body 90 days after infection.

Принят законопроект об обязательном тестировании на ВИЧ узбекистанцев, вернувшихся из-за рубежа

Законопроектом предлагается внести ряд изменений и дополнений в Законы «О противодействии распространению заболевания, вызываемого вирусом иммунодефицита человека (ВИЧ-инфекция)», «О санитарно-эпидемиологическом благополучии населения», «О частных агентствах занятости» и «О занятости населения».

В частности, определяется обязательное медицинское обследование на ВИЧ граждан Узбекистана в возрасте от 18 до 60 лет, вернувшихся после непрерывного пребывания за рубежом в течение 90 и более дней, иностранных граждан и лиц без гражданства, постоянно проживающих на территории Узбекистана или прибывающих в страну с целью осуществления трудовой деятельности.

Согласно документу, обязательное медицинское обследование на ВИЧ граждан Узбекистана, вернувшихся после непрерывного пребывания за рубежом в течение 90 и более дней, а также лиц без гражданства, постоянно проживающих на территории Узбекистана будет проведено за счет средств Государственного бюджета. Иностранные граждане и лица без гражданства, прибывающие в Узбекистан с целью осуществления трудовой деятельности и/или постоянно проживающие на ее территории будут проходить обследование за счет собственных средств, средств работодателя или других не запрещенных законодательством источников.

Кроме того, предлагается установить в качестве одного из лицензионных требований к частным агентствам занятости обязательство по организации обучения выезжающих за границу граждан законодательства и правил пребывания принимающего государства, а также обеспечение их необходимыми информационными материалами.

Депутаты отметили, что принятие законопроекта послужит предотвращению распространения инфекционных заболеваний, представляющих угрозу для здоровья человека, охране здоровья населения, формированию эффективных правовых механизмов обеспечения социальной безопасности в процессе трудовой миграции. Законопроект направлен в Сенат.

Отметим, что установление 90-дневного срока обосновано тем, что данное инфекционное заболевание проявляется в организме человека через 90 дней после заражения.

Uzbekistan considers mandatory HIV testing for migrants and returning citizens

Uzbekistan Plans to Introduce Mandatory HIV Testing for Migrants

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The “Milliy Tiklanish” Democratic Party has expressed its support for a draft law that would introduce mandatory HIV testing for certain categories of individuals, according to the press service of the Legislative Chamber.

The party’s backing for the measure stems from several key factors: the growing scale of labor migration, an increase in the number of citizens returning from abroad, and a significant inflow of foreign nationals into Uzbekistan.

In this context, lawmakers emphasized the urgent need to strengthen preventive measures aimed at the early detection of infectious diseases that may pose a threat to public health, as well as to curb their potential spread.

One such measure is the proposed bill mandating medical examinations for Uzbek citizens who have stayed abroad for more than 90 days, as well as for foreign nationals entering Uzbekistan for employment purposes.

The draft law outlines specific groups subject to mandatory HIV testing, including:

— Uzbek citizens aged 18 to 60 who have stayed abroad continuously for 90 days or more;
— Foreign nationals and stateless persons who reside permanently in Uzbekistan;
— Foreign nationals and stateless persons arriving in Uzbekistan to work.

The bill’s authors explained that the 90-day threshold was chosen because this is typically the period in which infectious diseases begin to manifest in the body. During discussions, it was noted that out of the 1.7 million citizens who returned from abroad in 2024, only 434,000 (about 25%) underwent voluntary HIV/AIDS testing, and 1,512 individuals were diagnosed with the infection.

Lawmakers stressed that the absence of mandatory medical screenings in current legislation is one of the main reasons for the low rate of HIV testing among citizens, making the introduction of such a requirement especially urgent.

Mauritius: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination raise questions on Mandatory HIV testing for migrant workers

The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination today concluded its consideration of the combined twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth periodic reports of Mauritius, with Committee Experts commending the State on the Intercontinental Slavery Museum, while raising questions on mandatory HIV testing for migrant workers, and the treatment of the Chagossian people.

Chrispine Gwalawala Sibande, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said Mauritius still applied HIV related restrictions on the entry, stay and residence of non-nationals, with migrant workers being required to provide evidence of their negative HIV status to qualify for work and residence permits. Would the delegation clarify reports that Mauritius required HIV testing for any residency permit longer than 90 days, and applicants were denied on the basis of HIV status? What had the Government done to make sure it did not violate the rights of people, especially migrants, on the basis of HIV status? What were the plans to reform the HIV/AIDS and immigration laws in Mauritius?

ntroducing the report, Gavin Patrick Cyril Glover S.C, Attorney General of Mauritius and head of the delegation, said the Government Programme 2025–2029 announced the setting up of a Constitutional Review Commission to make recommendations on constitutional and electoral reforms. The work of the Commission would also address several issues of direct relevance to the Committee’s concerns, including the future of the Best Loser System, the use of Kreol as a parliamentary language, and broader questions of equality and representation in Mauritian institutions. He concluded by stating that Mauritius reaffirmed its deep commitment to the Convention and looked forward to a constructive exchange.

Mr. Glover, responding to questions, said all migrant workers had to comply with the law and present a HIV negative test result before being granted access to the country. If a test was positive, they were not allowed to work and had to leave the country. For those who contracted the disease in the country, they received the same treatment as nationals, regardless of their origin. There were currently 60 foreign workers receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. There was no discrimination when this test was applied; it was applied across the board, wherever you came from. It was implemented as a public health policy by the Government, due to Mauritius’ small size. Unfortunately for the time being, this would stay in place.

In concluding remarks, Ms. Boker Wilson extended sincere thanks and appreciation to the delegation for the interactive dialogue. The delegation had delivered on its pledge to ensure openness and accountability, and the State party’s commitment to continuity was appreciated.

Mr. Glover, in his concluding remarks, extended thanks for the dialogue which had taken place. Mauritius viewed this exchange as an opportunity to reflect openly and recommit the State to the principles of the Convention. History left long shadows, but Mauritius believed that progress was possible. The State was committed to achieving unity, dignity and justice for all.

The delegation of Mauritius consisted of representatives of the Attorney General’s Office; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade; and the Permanent Mission of Mauritius to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Committee will issue its concluding observations on the report of Mauritius after the conclusion of its one hundred and fifteenth session on 9 May 2025. The programme of work and other documents related to the session can be found here. Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

The Committee will next meet in public on Tuesday, 29 April at 3.p.m to review the combined twentieth to twenty-second periodic reports of the Republic of Korea (CERD/C/KOR/20-22).

Report

The Committee has before it the combined twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth periodic reports of Mauritius (CERD/C/MUS/24-25).

Questions by Committee Experts

There had also been reports that the morality clauses in article 6 of the immigration act were rooted in colonial-era mentalities, and could have a disproportionate and discriminatory impact on minorities. Had Mauritius investigated this? Article 5 of the immigration act banned individuals with infectious, contagious, or communicable diseases. This could encompass HIV/AIDS, which disproportionately affected marginalised groups. Had Mauritius investigated this?

Responses by the Delegation

The State was aware of the discrepancies of the immigration act regarding communicable diseases, and acknowledged there was a need to review this legislation. There had previously been an abominable piece of legislation, the Hoffman law, which enabled a citizenship provided to a non-citizen to be revoked. This would also be reviewed.

Questions by Committee Expert

CHRISPINE GWALAWALA SIBANDE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked for more data on domestic workers? Mauritius still applied HIV related restrictions on the entry, stay and residence of non-nationals, with migrant workers being required to provide evidence of their negative HIV status to qualify for work and residence permits. Would the delegation clarify reports that Mauritius required HIV testing for any residency permit longer than 90 days, and applicants were denied on the basis of HIV status? What had the Government done to make sure it did not violate the rights of people, especially migrants, on the basis of HIV status? What were the plans to reform the HIV/AIDS and immigration laws in Mauritius?

Responses by the Delegation

All migrant workers had to comply with the law and present a HIV negative test result before being granted access to the country. If a test was positive, they were not allowed to work and had to leave the country. For those who contracted the disease in the country, they received the same treatment as nationals, regardless of their origin. There were currently 60 foreign workers receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. Article 5 of the immigration act was a precautionary measure and was a new provision on the application for working in Mauritius. There was no discrimination when this test was applied; it was applied across the board, wherever you came from. It was implemented as a public health policy by the Government, due to Mauritius’ small size. Unfortunately for the time being, this would stay in place.

Questions by Committee Expert

Another Expert said the mandatory HIV test was not compliant with the Convention. It was ineffective as a public health policy and cast a negative stigma on migrant workers.

Responses by the Delegation

GAVIN PATRICK CYRIL GLOVER S.C, Attorney General of Mauritius and head of the delegation, said he took on board the views that the mandatory HIV law was ineffective and discriminatory and would act as an advocate in this regard. All domestic workers had to obtain a resident and work permit to work in Mauritius.

Closing Remarks

FAITH DIKELEDI PANSY TLAKULA, Committee Expert and Follow-up Rapporteur, said the Committee would send concluding observations which contained a follow-up for recommendations which needed to be implemented within one year.

PELA BOKER WILSON, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, extended sincere thanks and appreciation to the delegation for the interactive dialogue. The Government of Mauritius should be commended on its reassessed approach to the review which contributed to the quality of the exchange. The delegation had delivered on its pledge to ensure openness and accountability, and the State party’s commitment to continuity was appreciated.

CHRISPINE GWALAWALA SIBANDE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, thanked everyone who had been involved in the dialogue.

GAVIN PATRICK CYRIL GLOVER S.C, Attorney General of Mauritius and head of the delegation, extended thanks for the dialogue which had taken place. Mauritius viewed this exchange as an opportunity to reflect openly and recommit the State to the principles of the Convention. The contribution of Committee member Yeung Sik Yuen Yeung Kam John was very much appreciated. Mauritius had celebrated the richness of its cultural heritage and honoured the memory of historical injustices. The establishment of a Constitutional Review Commission marked an important step forward. History left long shadows, but Mauritius believed that progress was possible. The State was committed to achieving unity, dignity and justice for all.

MICHAL BALCERZAK, Committee Chair, thanked all for the dialogue. During these turbulent times, it was important to celebrate 60 years of the Convention, and the Committee looked to Mauritius to join them in these celebrations. It would be a good opportunity for Mauritius to consider accepting article 14 of the Convention on individual communications.

Russia: Mandatory medical exams for migrants may shift to state-controlled facilities

Russia wants to change the rules for the medical examination of migrants

Translated with google. Scroll down for original article in Russian.

Russia has proposed to change the conditions for medical examinations for migrants.

The head of the Health Protection Committee Sergey Leonov announced the need to ban the provision of mandatory medical examination services for foreign workers by private clinics, TASS reports.

According to the deputy, a significant part of migrants do not actually undergo a mandatory medical examination in Russia, including HIV tests, which increases the risk of the spread of infectious diseases.

“Such a formal approach is possible, as migrant workers often prefer private clinics and conduct medical examinations only formally,” Leonov emphasized.

In this regard, the deputy made a proposal to “completely transfer all medical examinations of migrants under the control of the state”. In particular, if this initiative is implemented, Leonov suggested that it would lead to an increase in revenues to the country’s budget.

In 2021, foreigners and migrant workers who have been in Russia for more than 90 days were required to be tested for HIV, drugs and a number of infectious diseases.

В России захотели изменить правила проведения медосвидетельствования мигрантов

В России предложили изменить условия проведения медосмотров для мигрантов.

Глава комитета по охране здоровья Сергей Леонов заявил о необходимости запрета на оказание услуг обязательного медицинского осмотра иностранных работников частными клиниками, сообщает ТАСС.

По мнению депутата, значительная часть мигрантов в действительности не проходит обязательное медосмотр в России, включая тесты на ВИЧ, что увеличивает риск распространения инфекционных заболеваний.

«Такой формальный подход возможен, так как трудовые мигранты часто предпочитают частные клиники и проводят медосмотры лишь формально», — подчеркнул Леонов.

В этой связи депутат высказал предложение о «полном переводе всех медосмотров мигрантов под контроль государства». В частности, если данная инициатива будет осуществлена, Леонов предположил, что это приведет к увеличению поступлений в бюджет страны.

В 2021 году иностранцы и трудовые мигранты, находящиеся в России более 90 дней, были обязаны проходить тестирование на ВИЧ, наркотические вещества и ряд инфекционных заболеваний.

UK: Former health minister calls for compulsory HIV tests for migrants arriving from “high-prevalence countries”

Test migrants for HIV, former minister says, as UK rates rise

A former health minister says in a co-authored blog post that the UK increase can be attributed to undiagnosed migrants arriving from sub-Saharan Africa.

A former health minister has called for the UK to introduce HIV tests for migrants entering the UK.

Neil O’Brien claimed that there were a large number of people arriving in the UK with HIV who were unaware of their diagnosis and therefore went untreated.

The Conservative MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston said that HIV tests should be compulsory to get a visa when arriving from “high-prevalence countries” to reduce the risk of transmission from undiagnosed people.

O’Brien, who served as the public health minister between September 2022 and November 2023, said this would be a much more targeted approach than other countries that required HIV tests to get a permanent visa, such as Australia and New Zealand.

O’Brien wrote on his Substack blog that introducing HIV tests for migrants was essential to meet the government’s strategy to end new HIV transmission in the UK by 2030.

The number of newly diagnosed patients had fallen consistently since 2005 but data for 2022 and 2023 revealed that progress had suddenly gone backwards.

This has been driven by a rise in the number of newly diagnosed individuals who were born outside the UK and Europe, particularly among people from Africa. People from east Africa followed by southern Africa have the highest rates of HIV, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

O’Brien linked this change in HIV diagnosis trends to changes in the UK’s immigration system, which has led to a significant increase in the number of people from sub-Saharan Africa.

The UKHSA disputed the suggestion that a large number of people were arriving in the UK with HIV without knowing about it. It pointed to statistics showing that last year 53 per cent of cases in England that were reported to the UKHSA had already been diagnosed abroad. This was the first time that the proportion of diagnoses made overseas had exceeded the proportion of diagnoses first made in England.

In 2023 about 330,000 visas were issued to migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, compared with about 50,000 a year in the 2010s.

O’Brien suggested that the additional cost should be paid for by applicants, which he said would be small compared with visa fees, the immigration health surcharge and other costs of travel.

He said the system would work similarly to that for tuberculosis (TB), which requires all people applying for a visa from a list of 102 countries to have a TB test if they are coming for more than six months.

More than 50 countries require an HIV test for at least some visas. In Australia, anyone applying for permanent residency must undergo an HIV test to meet the health requirement for a visa. Those entering on shorter visas also need to have an HIV test in some circumstances.

Visa applicants intending to stay in New Zealand for more than a year must also have a HIV test.

Russia: Immigrants deported for failing medical examination that includes HIV test

Bailiffs of Khakassia expelled 74 foreigners in six months

Translated from Russian by IA – Scroll down for article in Russian

In 2024, bailiffs of Khakassia expelled 74 foreign citizens from Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Belarus from the Russian Federation. According to the UFSSP of Khakassia, they mainly exceeded the period of stay in Russia, and some were expelled for evading the mandatory rules of stay in the country, such as passing a medical commission.

The Beysky District Court established that an Azerbaijani citizen, after one year from the previous medical examination, did not pass the second medical commission. He also did not provide documents on the absence of the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the absence of infectious diseases that pose a danger to others, and a certificate of the absence of HIV infection.

The court found the foreign citizen guilty of committing an administrative offense and imposed a fine of 2 thousand rubles with subsequent administrative expulsion from Russia. Before the expulsion procedure, migrants are held in a specialized temporary detention facility. After purchasing travel documents, bailiffs of the special purpose department accompany foreign citizens to the checkpoint across the state border of Russia.

Судебные приставы Хакасии выдворили 74 иностранцев за полгода

В 2024 году судебные приставы Хакасии выдворили за пределы Российской Федерации 74 иностранных граждан из Таджикистана, Азербайджана, Узбекистана, Грузии и Белоруссии. Как рассказали в УФССП Хакасии, в основном они превысили срок пребывания в России, а некоторые были выдворены за уклонение от обязательных правил пребывания в стране, таких как прохождение медкомиссии.

Бейский районный суд установил, что гражданин Азербайджана, по истечении одного года с момента прохождения предыдущего медицинского освидетельствования, не прошёл повторную медкомиссию. Он также не предоставил документы об отсутствии фактов потребления наркотических средств и психотропных веществ, отсутствии инфекционных заболеваний, представляющих опасность для окружающих, и сертификат об отсутствии ВИЧ-инфекции.

Суд признал иностранного гражданина виновным в совершении административного правонарушения и назначил ему штраф в размере 2 тысяч рублей с последующим административным выдворением за пределы России. До процедуры выдворения мигранты содержатся в специализированном учреждении временного содержания. После приобретения проездных документов, судебные приставы отделения специального назначения сопровождают иностранных граждан до пункта пропуска через государственную границу России.

Canada: Advocates call for end to Canada’s discriminatory HIV partner notification policy

HIV organisations in Canada call for the immediate revocation of immigration policy that harms people with HIV

This statement can be attributed to HALCO, the HIV Legal Network, and COCQ-SIDA.

June 21, 2023 – The HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO), HIV Legal Network, and La Coalition des organismes communautaires québécois de lutte contre le sida (COCQ-SIDA), are deeply concerned about the continued application of the “Automatic Partner Notification Policy” (“the Policy”) by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and are calling for the Policy to be immediately revoked.

The Automatic Partner Notification Policy requires individuals living with HIV who are applying for permanent resident status through a family class sponsorship or as a dependent family member of a refugee to inform their sponsor of their HIV status. Applicants must also provide the IRCC with proof of such notification within 60 days. Otherwise, applicants must withdraw their application or wait until the IRCC informs their sponsor. This Policy discriminates against people living with HIV, including by violating their right to equal treatment under s. 15(1) under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Applicants are tested for many illnesses during medical examinations as part of the immigration process. However, IRCC requires only those living with HIV to choose between revealing their health condition or withdrawing their application. IRCC does not impose this requirement on applicants living with any other health conditions, including other sexually transmitted or blood-borne infections. Moreover, provincial and territorial public health authorities already, and more appropriately, address these issues, with each having specific procedures to be followed after a positive HIV diagnosis.

The Policy can also add a year or more to the already lengthy immigration process because applicants living with HIV are required to attend an interview, which is not normally required in permanent residence applications. This is expected to have a disproportionate harmful impact on gay, trans, Black, and other racialized people, without any justification.

While this Policy is intended to “protect” public health, it does the opposite by increasing stigma and perpetuating stereotypes that people with HIV are inherently dangerous and deceptive. The Policy is also based on stereotypes about risks of HIV transmission, which are much lower than commonly assumed. While HIV can only be transmitted through specific activities (e.g. HIV cannot be transmitted sexually by people with suppressed viral loads or when a condom is used properly and does not break), the Policy treats every applicant as posing a high risk of transmission.

IRCC policies must comply with the Charter and uphold the human rights of people living with HIV. The Automatic Partner Notification Policy is invasive, discriminatory, and arbitrary, and must be revoked.

Russia: Migrants workers to undergo HIV testing every 3 months

Labor migrants in Russia will be obliged to take a PCR test every 72 hours and tests for HIV and other infectious diseases every three months

Automatic google translation – For original article in Russian, please scroll down

On July 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a federal law on state fingerprint registration of visa-free foreign citizens in Russia.

According to the law, visa-free foreigners will now have to undergo fingerprinting, photographing and medical examination without fail within 90 calendar days from the date of entry. They will be given a corresponding document.

And labor migrants will have to go through all these procedures within 30 days. They will be required to confirm the absence of HIV infection, infectious diseases that pose a danger to others, as well as drug addiction.

Moreover, if they are diagnosed with drug addiction or HIV infection, then “a decision will be made about the undesirability of their stay in Russia.” Failure to comply with this law threatens to reduce the length of stay of foreigners in Russia.

The law will come into force in December.

Human rights activist Valentina Chupik explained that according to this law, migrants will have to take PCR tests to detect coronavirus every 72 hours, as well as do tests for other infectious diseases every three months.

“I suppose that after this story not a single legal migrant will remain in Russia. For example, I will not be able to spend 1950 rubles every three days on a PCR test. […] As far as I understand, the one who signed these laws did not even read them. Well, he hasn’t read them for years. And the one who made these laws has no idea about Russian legislation and about migration statistics, ”said the human rights activist.

She sent a letter to the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev asking for help in this situation and urged migrants from other countries to also appeal to their authorities. She believes that in this way the Russian authorities “will pay attention to what they have done in the field of migration law and get down to business.”

Трудовых мигрантов в России обяжут сдавать ПЦР-тест каждые 72 часа и тесты на ВИЧ и другие инфекционные заболевания каждые три месяца

Президент России Владимир Путин 1 июля подписал федеральный закон о государственной дактилоскопической регистрации безвизовых иностранных граждан в России.

Согласно закону, безвизовые иностранцы теперь должны будут проходить дактилоскопическую регистрацию, фотографирование и медосмотр в обязательном порядке в течение 90 календарных дней со дня въезда. Им будет выдаваться соответствующий документ.

*Дактилоскопическая регистрация — сдача отпечатков пальцев.

А трудовые мигранты должны будут пройти все эти процедуры в течение 30 дней. Они будут обязаны подтвердить отсутствие ВИЧ-инфекции, инфекционных заболеваний, которые представляют опасность для окружающих, а также наркотической зависимости.

При этом, если у них выявят наркоманию или ВИЧ-инфекцию, то «будет приниматься решение о нежелательности их пребывания на территории России». Несоблюдение этого закона грозит сокращением срока пребывания иностранцев в России.

Закон вступит в силу уже в декабре.

Правозащитница Валентина Чупик пояснила, что согласно этому закону, мигранты будут должны сдавать ПЦР-тесты на выявление коронавируса каждые 72 часа, а также каждые три месяца делать тесты на другие инфекционные заболевания.

«Я так предполагаю, что после этой истории ни одного легального мигранта в России не останется. Я, например, не потяну тратить каждые три дня 1950 рублей на ПЦР-тест. […] Я так понимаю, что тот кто подписывал эти законы, их даже не читал. Ну он их уже много лет не читает. А тот, кто производил эти законы понятия не имеет о российском законодательстве и о статистике миграции», — заявила правозащитница.

Она направила письмо к президенту Узбекистана Шавкату Мирзиееву с просьбой о помощи в этой ситуации и призвала мигрантов из других стран также обратиться к своим властям. Она считает, что таким образом власти России «обратят внимание на то, что они понаделали в сфере миграционного права и займутся делом».

Jordan: Jordan’s HIV deportation policy threatens lives

Foreigners Living with HIV in Jordan Face an Impossible Choice

Government Mandates Reporting HIV Status, Deports People Living with HIV.

In Jordan, medical professionals and health facilities are mandated to report an individual’s HIV status to the government. Foreign nationals found to be HIV-positive are summarily deported regardless of the consequences to their health and safety and banned for life from returning.

Earlier this year, an Iraqi gay man living with HIV fled to Jordan to escape persecution he faced at home for being gay, yet he could not access HIV treatment without being immediately deported. When his health rapidly deteriorated, he could not seek medical attention for fear of being deported. Whatever decision he made would threaten his life.

Jordan also obliges nationals to undergo HIV testing when seeking employment in the public sector and for non-nationals obtaining work permits, and denies them jobs if they are HIV-positive. It also requires testing for non-nationals renewing residency permits. For LGBT people living with HIV, the stigma and discrimination by medical professionals and employers often bars them from accessing basic rights, without any legal recourse.

Abdallah Hanatleh, executive director of “Sawaed,” an Amman-based organization that facilitates access to HIV treatment, told Human Rights Watch that his organization documents dozens of deportations based on HIV status annually.

Jordan is not alone in this abusive practice. Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also deport people found to be HIV-positive without any provision for continuity of care. Worse yet, in Jordan, as in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, HIV-positive foreign nationals in the criminal justice system are denied adequate access to treatment in prison. “They are placed in solitary confinement, further isolating and stigmatizing them,” Hanatleh said.

International law prohibits deportations based solely on HIV status. Jordan should explicitly ban discrimination based on HIV status and stop deporting HIV-positive individuals under the principle of non-refoulement. This principle applies to asylum seekers and refugees, and for people with HIV, it means that governments are prohibited from returning them — depending on how advanced the disease — to places where they do not have adequate access to medical care and social support, or where they risk being subjected to persecution or degrading treatment on account of their HIV status.

Jordan should not mandate reporting of HIV status and employers should not be requiring HIV testing in the first place. People living with HIV should never be forced to forego lifesaving treatment in order to avoid deportation to danger.

Turkmenistan: New law provides free HIV treatment but mandates HIV testing prior to marriage, and for people who use drugs, prisoners, blood donors and foreigners seeking work visas.

Turkmenistan has passed a law under which all people seeking a marriage license must be tested for HIV.

The law implies that anyone found to be infected with the virus that is the precursor to AIDS would be denied a marriage license.

Reports in state-controlled media on April 6 said the law was enacted “in order to create conditions for forming healthy families and avert the birth of HIV-infected children.”

Authoritarian Turkmenistan has given little public information about the extent of HIV infection in the country.

The new law also requires HIV tests for anyone suspected of using narcotics, foreigners seeking work visas, prisoners, and blood donors.

Under the legislation signed by President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, the government will guarantee free treatment to people infected with AIDS.

In 2002, Turkmenistan’s Health Ministry claimed the country had only two cases of HIV and that both patients had been infected outside the Central Asian state.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP