Changes to health screenings for new migrants to New Zealand will not automatically exclude those with HIV, the AIDS Foundation understands. As of November 28, people coming to New Zealand for more than a year would be required to undergo a medical examination, which will now include an HIV test. Previously, the medical exam applied only to those coming for more than 2 years. HIV+ migrants will have to apply for a medical exemption, and will have to show that the benefit to New Zealand of their presence will be greater than the potential cost to our health system of having them here. This new requirement also includes HIV- migrants who are bringing in HIV+ dependent members of their family. Although they have yet to see the final details in the paperwork, the AIDS Foundation understands that little will change in reality for New Zealand citizens who bring in HIV+ partners, however. “Although they would have to apply for a medical exemption to the new requirements, the department's policy is not to separate families and if you can show that you are a committed partnership (whatever the gender or sexuality) your chances are high that you as an New Zealand citizen will be able to bring your positive partner in,” says spokesman Steve Attwood. The Foundation says it doesn't oppose screening migrants for HIV, provided good processes are in place to guard confidentiality and ensure adequate pre and post-test counselling. They also say the process of cost-benefit analysis should be transparent – migrants should be able to see what was considered on the pro and con side of their application.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 11th August 2005 - 12:00pm