Singapore lifts entry ban for HIV-infected people
Print Edition
Singapore said yesterday it has lifted a two-decade ban on HIV-infected people from entering the country, but will limit their stay to a maximum of three months.
The Health Ministry said that the ban was lifted on April 1, 鈥済iven the current context with more than 5,000 Singapore residents living with HIV and the availability of effective treatment for the disease.鈥
The three-month restriction is apparently aimed at preventing long-term residence by foreigners, such as those looking to work in the island-nation or looking to accompany a child studying here.
鈥淭he policy on the repatriation and permanent blacklisting of HIV-positive foreigners was recommended in the late 1980s when the disease was new, fatal and no effective treatment was available,鈥 a ministry spokesman said in an e-mail.
While a short-term visit 鈥減oses very low additional risk of HIV transmission to the local population鈥, the ban on a long-term one remains as 鈥渢he public health risk posed by long-stayers is not insignificant鈥, the spokesman added.
Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have similar restrictions on long-term visitors with HIV.
Short-term visitors to Singapore have to obtain a Social Visit Pass that is valid for 2-4 weeks, and may subsequently be renewed for up to three months. Pass holders are not allowed to work in the city-state.
HIV, or the human immuno-deficiency virus, attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the end stage of a HIV infection. While there is no cure, treatments such as anti-retroviral therapy have helped individuals improve their immune systems, delaying the spread of the virus.
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