HIV screening of foreigners

HIV screening of foreigners

SINGAPORE (AP): The government on Saturday defended laws obliging foreigners to undergo an AIDS test and prohibiting those who have contracted the HIV virus from remaining in Singapore.

Under Singaporean law, foreigners who want to live permanently or work in the city-state for over six months must undergo a medical examination, including an AIDS test. If they have the HIV virus, they cannot work here.

"HIV screening of foreigners seeking immigration or work passes is a measure to safeguard public health," the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.