The Labour Department is increasing the number of migrants who require HIV tests before entering New Zealand. Previously any person on a visa permit for more than two years was required to take blood test screening for HIV, as well as Hepatitis B, as part of an immigrant medical examination. Now anyone planning to stay for more than 12 months will be required to take blood tests. The Labour Department says the new standard is more consistent with international standards. The New Zealand AIDS Foundation are not opposed to the change, however they warn that HIV positive migrants should not be turned away, and that the government needs to be transparent when weighing up the costs and benefits of HIV-positive migrants. Given early diagnosis and effective medication, an HIV-positive migrant could still make a generous contribution to the community by sharing their skills and knowledge.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 6th August 2005 - 12:00pm