Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 659: PLHIV Nurse Wants to Work Abroad

Hi pozziepinoy,

Just want to ask if you are hiv + is there still opportunity for you to work abroad? Esp. In medical field like nursing? If yes do you have an idea what country? Thank you!

XXX

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi XXX.

Thank you for your email.

Most of the time, before granting a working visa, a medical examination is required and that includes the HIV test. Most of the time, it is more complicated to grant a working VISA to HIV positives because the other countries don't want to shoulder the medical expenses of the applicant. However, if an applicant is really eager to work outside the country, he or she should talk to the employer on what are the things he or she should do in order to get the VISA especially if the country doesn't prevent PLHIV's from working in their country.

I encountered cases wherein the PLHIV sent emails to the employer and added a letter that the Philippine government will shoulder his or her HIV medical expenses, with a letter from the HIV/AIDS Treatment hub confirming it. Of course this will be tedious but if one really wants to work outside the country then he or she should do everything to be able to get the VISA.

Ask the embassy first if they are very particular with the HIV status. Every country has a different requirement so it is really a case to case basis. Just a reminder, please don't apply in the middle east, Singapore or any arab/muslim nation as they ban PLHIV's from working there.

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

Stay healthy,
Pozziepinoy

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

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