Experts Urge Uzbekistan to Rethink HIV Law Affecting Migrant Workers

The Regional Expert Group (REG) on migrant health has raised concern over a draft law in Uzbekistan that could deny work to foreigners diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis.

Under the proposal, foreign nationals and stateless persons arriving for employment would undergo compulsory medical checks. The Senate approved the draft in August. The group is also worried about a measure requiring returning Uzbek citizens who have spent more than 90 days abroad to be tested for HIV.

«The Regional Expert Group strongly urges a review of the draft law in line with international standards and the recommendations of WHO and UNAIDS. It is vital to involve patient groups, experts and researchers in the discussion,» the statement said.

According to REG, the most effective response to HIV is through safe and voluntary access to confidential counselling, as advised by WHO.

The organisation added that Tashkent should focus on creating conditions for prevention and treatment of HIV. It also recalled that in August the HIV Justice Network appealed to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev not to sign the bill.