Returnees from abroad now subject to mandatory HIV testing

Citizens aged 18 to 60 who have stayed abroad for 90 days or more may now be required to undergo a mandatory medical examination for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan” was discussed and approved today, August 1, during the 9th plenary session of the Senate.

It was noted that in recent years, the scale of labor migration has increased significantly, and the number of citizens returning to Uzbekistan from abroad continues to grow. Additionally, many foreign nationals are entering the country for business or employment purposes. Voluntary testing of some individuals in these categories has revealed the presence of infectious diseases that pose a public health risk.

For instance, in 2024, only 434,000 (25 percent) of the 1.7 million citizens who returned from long-term stays abroad voluntarily underwent HIV/AIDS testing. Among them, 1,512 individuals were diagnosed with the virus. Furthermore, over the past year, more than 12,700 foreign nationals and stateless persons voluntarily took HIV/AIDS tests, and 81 were found to be infected.

"Infectious diseases that are dangerous to human health have been detected among migrants who underwent voluntary testing. However, the number of infected individuals among those who were not tested remains unknown. In this context, the adoption of this law is of urgent importance," the report states.

The law introduces a number of amendments and additions to the legislation, including the laws “On Combating the Spread of the Disease Caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV Infection),” “On Private Employment Agencies,” and “On Employment of the Population.”

Specifically, the law stipulates that the following groups must undergo mandatory HIV testing:

•  Citizens of Uzbekistan aged 18 to 60 who have spent 90 consecutive days or more abroad,
•  Foreign nationals and stateless persons permanently residing in Uzbekistan,
•  Foreign nationals and stateless persons entering Uzbekistan for employment.

It is clarified that Uzbek citizens and stateless persons residing permanently in the country will be tested at the expense of the state budget. Meanwhile, foreign nationals and stateless persons entering for labor purposes, or residing permanently in Uzbekistan, will be tested at their own expense, their employer’s, or from other sources not prohibited by law.

Additionally, the detection of HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis will serve as grounds to deny a certificate granting the right to work in Uzbekistan.

Moreover, the law establishes that private employment agencies must ensure that individuals seeking work abroad receive training aligned with the laws and stay regulations of the destination country. This requirement becomes a condition for obtaining a license.

Senators emphasized that this law will help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, protect public health, and create effective legal mechanisms to ensure social security in the context of labor migration. After discussion, the Senate approved the law.