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PM defends HIV law condemned by UN

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PM defends HIV law condemned by UN

3News NZ

The Prime Minister is defending an immigration law branded as discriminatory by a UN report (file)

The Prime Minister is defending an immigration law branded as discriminatory by a UN report (file)

The Prime Minister is defending an immigration law branded as discriminatory by a UN report.

Currently, migrants who want to take part in the Recognised Seasonal Workers scheme must take an HIV test and if the results are positive they're excluded from the scheme.

The UN Global Commission says laws like these are fuelling the AIDS epidemic.

But Prime Minister John Key says the law doesn't just target HIV.

“I think the current position is the right one I mean we are trying to protect New Zealanders and the liability and cost for New Zealanders.”

Mr Key says many migrants have their applications rejected because the Government doesn't want taxpayers to bear the cost of their medical treatment.

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Comments

12/07/2012 11:45:00 p.m.

Chargone wrote:

I... honestly don't see how this one's a problem. the first responsibility of a government is to it's citizens. seems quite reasonable to refuse immigration to someone with such an illness (unless the system they were immigrating under was something to do with treating such.) both from the practical budget standpoint, and also from a moral/responsibility stand point, in the interests of public health. one can, of course, make moral arguments Against this, too, but i don't find them to be as strong as a general rule. (in specific situations, i can see situations where this isn't the case, but this is what exceptions or exemptions are for.) comes down to controlling the spread of a highly problematic illness that (to the best of my knowledge) we can't actually cure. I'd say that out-weighs 'discrimination' accusations in an immigration situation.

12/07/2012 10:11:26 p.m.

Huang wrote:

Other countries have more stringent rules about HIV migrants. Why target NZ? Restricting movement of these migrants in fact help in curtailing Aids Epidermic! May as well brand our biosecurity as discrimatory. UN should be looking at human rights in other country before fingering nz.

11/07/2012 6:13:45 p.m.

Brent wrote:

@ David, What does It cost To have a Migrant worker on HIV medication per Year?

11/07/2012 1:48:12 p.m.

David wrote:

You have to understand that the National Party and its core supporters are a pack of inbred hillbilly elitest racists. John Keys Policies prove that to be true. The number of police now patrolling lower socioeconomic neigbourhoods is now bordering on harassment.

11/07/2012 9:00:18 a.m.

ben wrote:

keep them out john key is right