The Legislative Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan has adopted a bill in the third reading, which mandates medical examination for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection for citizens who have returned from abroad after more than 90 days and has sent it to the Senate.
According to the bill, Uzbek citizens aged between 18 to 60 who have continuously stayed abroad for more than 90 days, foreign citizens permanently residing in the territory of Uzbekistan, and stateless persons will be subjected to mandatory medical examination for HIV infection.
Furthermore, foreign citizens and stateless persons arriving in Uzbekistan for the purpose of carrying out labor activities will also be required to undergo this examination. Local citizens will be examined at the expense of the state budget, while foreigners will be examined at their own expense, that of their employer, or from other sources not prohibited by law.
The initiators believe that the HIV virus usually reaches a detectable level within 90 days in the body. Hence, this duration has been taken as a basis. According to data, in 2024, of the 1.7 million citizens returning from abroad, 434,000 voluntarily underwent medical examination, with 1512 of them found to be infected with HIV.
The bill also places an obligation on private employment agencies to educate citizens about the laws and living rules of the state they are being sent to before departure.
According to the deputies, this bill aims to prevent the spread of HIV infection, protect public health, and ensure social security during labor migration processes.
