The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan has adopted in the third reading a bill introducing mandatory HIV testing for citizens returning from abroad after 90 or more consecutive days.
According to the amendments, mandatory HIV testing will apply to:
- citizens of Uzbekistan aged 18 to 60 who have spent 90 or more consecutive days abroad;
- foreign nationals and stateless persons permanently residing in Uzbekistan;
- foreign citizens and stateless persons arriving in Uzbekistan for the purpose of employment.
Funding arrangements:
- For Uzbek citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in the country, the testing will be covered by the State Budget;
- For foreign citizens and migrant workers, the testing will be carried out at their own expense, by the employer, or from other sources not prohibited by law.
Lawmakers stated that the bill is aimed at preventing the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases, protecting public health, and establishing effective legal mechanisms to ensure social security in the context of labor migration.
The draft law has been approved by the lower house and sent to the Senate for further review.