basic question on carrier travel restrictions

[lude86]

hi everyone,
i know its probably a very basic question, but do many countries impose travel, work and migration restrictions on people who are hepatitis b carriers?
is there any place where i could find a list of these restrictions and their extents, for most countries?

thanks so much.

[StephenCastlecrag]

The best website to find out is hivtravel.org. It is about HIV but provide information about other restrictions too.

[lude86]

Thanks Stephen.
Do you suppose countries that don't ban HIV may ban HBV though? Was wondering if I could find any information on that. Perhaps a comparison table or something for the different infectious diseases.
According to one study, there are 31 countries that practice such discrimination against HIV for workers - most East Asian and Middle Eastern. That does not seem too large a number. Was wondering though if this is also true about HBV.

[StephenCastlecrag]

Countries that ban HIV tend to ban HBV too. UAE and the Arab Gulf countries ban workers in certain professional categories, such as maids, nurses etc,I think. I don't think they ban tourists.

[lude86]

and given that list, do you think its safe to say that most countries would be more lenient with HBV than HIV??

[lude86]

Thanks for all the answers.
I definitely think there should be some transparency. Is it too hard for the immigration departments to list their medical requirements?? They are not commonly available. I've just searched and heard horrible things about UAE. Apparently its immediate deportation if you fail any infectious diseases test. Even if your family member fails it!

Anyone know of any such list of countries and their visa requirements? Maybe for different cases, like just travel, work visa, settling, etc? I've seen one for HIV at (http://www.namlife.org/cms1255072.aspx).

Even embassies aren't very clear and straightforward with their answers. I understand a patient's want for privacy, but I don't get why the countries are so secretive.

[StephenCastlecrag]

That is what people do - ask but don't tell. But some types of visa to China require a medical test, so people like to know where they stand regarding HBV, HCV, HIV etc before they apply. China, by being obscure, wants to have her cake and eat it too, at the expense of  these people. China does not want to be criticized if it is known they ban these people.
The USA also ask whether you have a "contagious disease", but then they have a list of contagious diseases and HBV is not on it.
China should practise transparency

[mikec414]

They might ask but wont require you to submit medical test

[StephenCastlecrag]

China used to ban entry people with Hepatitis B, C, and HIV/AIDS etc. Since then they changed the rules a bit, but it is still not clear whether they now allow entry. On the visa application form, they ask whether you "suffer from any infectious diseases?"

[mikec414]

No travel restrictions, you CANT just get a work visa from countries with Hepa B medical test