No A.I.D.S. Test For Migrants (Press, 6 December 1988)
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Summary: No A.I.D.S. Test For Migrants (Press, 6 December 1988)
On 6 December 1988, the office of the Minister of Immigration in New Zealand, Mr Rodger, confirmed that no specific checks for A.I.D.S. were being conducted on potential immigrants, irrespective of their sexual orientation. This announcement was a response to comments made by the Opposition spokesman on immigration, Mr Bill Birch, who argued that the new immigration policy was incentivising homosexuals to bring their foreign partners to New Zealand. Birch expressed concerns that homosexuals are among the groups most at risk of carrying A.I.D.S., noting that potential immigrants were not subject to checks for the illness. In clarification, a spokesperson from Mr Rodger’s office stated that while there was no specific A.I.D.S. check, a general medical examination was part of the immigration process. Applicants were required to sign a declaration confirming they did not have a range of illnesses, which included A.I.D.S., its related illnesses, or any immune-deficiency syndromes. If an applicant disclosed such an illness, it was likely their application for residence would be declined, although each case would be evaluated on its individual merits. Interestingly, the spokesperson indicated that it was not believed that homosexual immigrants would be among those considered most at risk for A.I.D.S. under the existing immigration guidelines. These guidelines stipulate that an applicant must have maintained a stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen for at least four years. The implication was that such established relationships would not generally expose individuals to the risks associated with A.I.D.S. The new immigration policy, which included these protocols regarding health checks, had reportedly been in effect since February 1988.
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