How important is anonymity for an HIVer in 2010?

[natthai]

I was diagnosed and have been receiving treatment at an Anonymous Red Cross clinic. I can get any labs I want as well as speak with doctors and councilors (they know me on a first name basis). When I decide on treatment I can order the medicine from this facility as well. I was wondering how important is it to disclose your HIV status? Even to a doctor or medical facility. I understand that there is still a great deal of stigma in the world. Several countries even still have travel restrictions. Technically I think that I could lose my current work permit (or not have it renewed) if the government of the country I am currently a resident of learns of my status.

My ex just got a student visa to Canada and in the process he has to get an HIV test. They would not have given him the visa if he showed HIV antibodies on the test. I have worked in several commonwealth countries and as a foreigner I also had to get HIV tests as a condition of gaining a work permit.

Once you have those three letters after your name, is it analogous to a big Scarlet "A" on your forehead? Will my name go on some WHO list. Will it enter large corporate data-mining databases used for insurance, credit history, marketing etc.

I suppose if you never plan to leave your hometown than this is not so much of an issue but for an skilled educated "modern nomad" such as myself, I perceive that disclosure could come with some serious limitations on my possibilities. In other words, how concerned are you about anonymity and how have you dealt with this issue?

[tednlou2]

I'm very surprised Canada would not give someone a student visa if they were HIV poz.  Are you totally sure about this??  I'm not much of a world traveler, so I'm not sure about issues with that.  I know it happens in several countries, but I'm just surprised by Canada. 

[joemutt]

Technically I think that I could lose my current work permit (or not have it renewed) if the government of the country I am currently a resident of learns of my status.

That's not correct. For work permit Thai government excludes these diseases only  ;

3. Not being insane or mentally sick, suffering from Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Drug Addiction, Alcoholism, Elephantitus and Tertiary Syphilis.

Applicant attaches own health certificate to file, you can go to a clinic where a health certificate will be given, mostly without examination. There is no testing by the Immigration Department.

Another matter might be your prospective employer who might send you for a check-up to his designated doctor/hospital; while hiv-testing as part of hiring is illegal in Thailand many employers still do this, concealed in the health check-up. You could refuse the test but then you won't get the job. If you test positive they will give another reason not not to hire you.

If you are allowed to bring your own certificate, then again no problem.

[mecch]

To the OP - you list several reasons why you shouldn't disclose to certain entities.  Also I suggest you research them to make sure your info is correct. 

So why the question mark in your thread title?? 

Other people in other situations don't risk as much, or anything, from disclosure to certain entities. 

In the end it would be better if everyone disclosed to everyone and the world stopped discrimination. But we don't live in an ideal world, or universal world, do we?

[komnaes]

Hi Natthai,

First, student visa or other types of work/skilled labor immigration applications will NOT be automatically rejected by Canada. But they do have an "excessive demand" on health care clause - it usually goes to mean that if the applicant is already on HAART and needs routine check-ups the costs of taking care of him/her will likely to exceed the average health care costs of an average Canadian. Hence a rejection. But if the applicant is healthy and/or a long-term non-progressor, the chance of being accepted will be much higher.

BTW this excessive demand clause applies to a whole range of chronic diseases, not just HIV. And if the applicant is sponsored by family or a spouse (family reunion), this clause will be waived. Someone has told me how the excessive cost is circulated but I guess the best advise is to check with an immigration lawyer and/or help groups in Canada.

As for your current work permit we cannot help unless we know where you're located now. I am assuming Thailand? If that's the case Joe above has answered your question. And as far as I know there's no WHO list that will be shared by all countries. But this record will definitely stay with the authority of the country you have made a visa application. I don't think the world nations are sharing such "database".

HIV is unfortunately a condition that will limit our choices of places to live/work. But instead of thinking those limitations, I think the better way to live life is to just focus on the "now".

Best, Shaun

[elf]

http://hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=39


Intending immigrants have to undergo medical examination, including HIV testing. A positive test result is grounds for refusal of permission to immigrate.

(Source: 1)

Foreigners intending to stay in Canada for more than 6 months have to undergo a medical examination. Since January 2002, the testing for HIV is one of the mandatory examinations. Due to the new regulations, the majority of foreigners testing positive for HIV won't be granted a residence permit for Canada. There are exceptions for the following groups of people:

    * HIV-positive refugees
    * HIV-positive sponsored spouses or common law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
    * HIV-positive children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

[komnaes]

..A positive test result is grounds for refusal of permission to immigrate.

I think there is a difference in saying that being HIV+ is a ground for refusal than the actual ground, which is causing "excessive demand" on health care. There are countries that will refuse a HIV+ applicant no matter what, but the system in Canada is emphasizing on whether applicant will require higher than average health care costs in order to survive.

Now some would say that it's almost like an automatic rejection. But I have spoken to immigration lawyers and help groups there saying that there are ways around it. Other than the waivers that you have listed, I have heard of successful cases (mainly short term student/work visas) in which an applicant can show that he/she can afford private care for the duration, or the applicant can still receive treatments and/or meds in his/her own native country.

[eric48]

    
How important is anonymity for an HIVer in 2010?

VEEERY

Erc

[BJS2011]

I'm very surprised Canada would not give someone a student visa if they were HIV poz.  Are you totally sure about this??  I'm not much of a world traveler, so I'm not sure about issues with that.  I know it happens in several countries, but I'm just surprised by Canada. 

Thats so not true. I live in Canadfa and we have NO restrictions as far as entering our fine country if HIV poz. Unlike america where HIVers are unwelcome and refused entry. I would NEVER want to go to the states cause of this fact. I guess the states don't have anyone affected by HIV!!

[Nestor]

We got rid of the HIV entry ban some time ago--in fact President Bush signed the repeal of that ban on July 30th 2008.  (I happen to remember the date because it is my birthday!)  The ban was not finally gone, however, until the end of October of the following year--there was some red tape to be gotten through involving the department of Health and Human Services.  Take a look a this thread for a recent discussion of the question:

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=38436.0

[phildinftlaudy]

Thats so not true. I live in Canadfa and we have NO restrictions as far as entering our fine country if HIV poz. Unlike america where HIVers are unwelcome and refused entry. I would NEVER want to go to the states cause of this fact. I guess the states don't have anyone affected by HIV!!

How far away from Canada is Canadfa?  Can I get there by boat?

[Dachshund]

Thats so not true. I live in Canadfa and we have NO restrictions as far as entering our fine country if HIV poz. Unlike america where HIVers are unwelcome and refused entry. I would NEVER want to go to the states cause of this fact. I guess the states don't have anyone affected by HIV!!

You're on a roll. Zombie number four.

[Joe K]

Thats so not true. I live in Canadfa and we have NO restrictions as far as entering our fine country if HIV poz. Unlike america where HIVers are unwelcome and refused entry. I would NEVER want to go to the states cause of this fact. I guess the states don't have anyone affected by HIV!!

You are incorrect about Canadian requirements and what Elf posted is correct.  I moved back here four years ago and there are restrictions on persons wanting to become permanent residents.