Immigration: Tuberculosis Testing

Lord Ribeiro Excerpts

Tuesday 11th December 2012 Lords Chamber

[Earl Attlee]

My Lords, sadly, about 30% of the world’s population have latent TB. We would not test people from other European states even if they have a TB problem.

[Lord Ribeiro]

My Lords, TB and HIV co-exist. The NHS is required to test all new healthcare workers for tuberculosis and blood-born viruses, including HIV. In relation to overseas recruitment, it is recommended that the tests are performed in the country of origin before applying for employment. Can the Minister confirm that compliance with this guidance is being maintained and is it possible to move towards the situation that currently pertains in Australia, New Zealand and Canada?

[Earl Attlee]

My Lords, eventually for all the 82 high- risk countries, you will not be able to get a visa to the UK unless you are clear of TB. To clarify further my answer to the noble Lord, Lord Morris, arrivals from the other European states are not tested for TB because of course they do not need to be tested. They can come and go as they please.