China may end travel ban for HIV foreigners
PDF China may end a decade-old travel ban on HIV-positive foreigners from visiting the country, a media report said. The ban may be lifted after the Chinese Cabinet Monday decided to make changes to the laws barring HIV-positive foreigners from entering the country, China Daily reported Wednesday, citing sources.
Currently, foreigners suffering from mental disorders or infectious diseases like leprosy and HIV/AIDS are denied entry. Although no timetable was disclosed, the changes are likely to be announced before the official opening of Shanghai Expo May 1, which is expected to attract four million visitors from abroad. Rules on the long-term stay, residence and immigration of HIV/AIDS sufferers will be clearly defined in the near future.
In 1995, China ended the practice of mandatory HIV screening for foreigners who wanted to visit the country. Instead, they were required to disclose their health conditions, including HIV/AIDS.
