(a) whether the Government propose to make AIDS tests compulsory before issuing visas to foreigners;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which a decision in this regard is likely to be taken?
(a) whether the Government propose to make AIDS tests compulsory before issuing visas to foreigners;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which a decision in this regard is likely to be taken?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. C.P. THAKUR)
(a) to(c) No, Sir. However, as per Government of India policy on AIDS, an AIDS test is to be conducted at the nearest surveillance centre in respect of a foreigners visiting India within one month of his/her arrival. All foreigners, other than foreigners working in various Ministries whether enjoying diplomatic status or not; foreign priests and nuns and foreign journalists accredited to the PIB, intending to stay for more than one year in India and those foreigners who enter India on short term visit but want to extend their stay for a year or more, are subjected to undergo AIDS testing only once during their stay.