Foreigners Coming to Uzbekistan for Work Will Be Required to Take an HIV Test

The new requirement will also apply to Uzbek citizens returning home after spending more than 90 consecutive days abroad. On July 8, the lower house of the Oliy Majlis passed the relevant legislative amendments in the third reading, Orda.kz reports.

The proposed changes will affect two laws: “On Counteracting the Spread of Disease Caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV Infection)” and “On Employment of the Population.” 

According to an official statement from the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis:

A mandatory medical examination for HIV is established for citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan aged 18 to 60 who return after a continuous stay abroad of 90 or more days, as well as for foreign citizens and stateless persons who permanently reside in Uzbekistan or arrive for the purpose of employment. 

According to Gazeta.uz, the 90-day threshold is linked to the incubation period of infectious diseases, including HIV. Testing for returning Uzbek citizens will be funded by the state, while foreign nationals and stateless persons must cover the cost themselves or through their employers.

In 2024, of the 1.7 million Uzbek citizens who returned from abroad, only 25% underwent voluntary HIV testing. Among those tested, the virus was detected in 1,512 individuals.

The bill has now been submitted to the upper house of the Oliy Majlis for final approval.

Original Author: Oksana Matvienko