Quote Originally Posted by PeterB View Post
If I understand correctly, that is a list of countries where the test is carried out prior to departure. Immigrants from other countries are being tested upon arrival.

What I don't understand is why testing for Infectious TB is only being carried out on those staying for longer than six months. Can't the infection be passed on in the first six months?
that's the idea, your tested b4 you come here, not every immigrant is being tested, i think its those countries where there is a higher risk of them having TB.

the TB program was described as ..

'When the programme is fully implemented, the policy will apply equally to all residents of those countries which are both high risk for TB (i.e. have an annual incidence of over 40 cases per 100,000 population) and send the greatest numbers of long-term visitors to the UK. In that context the provision is nationality neutral. However, it is likely that some nationalities could be affected by this measure more than others because the overwhelming majority of residents in a particular country are liable to be nationals of that country. It is therefore arguable that the application of this measure amounts to indirect discrimination towards nationals of the countries to which the provision will apply. The first phase of the programme will apply only to entry clearance applications made to UKVisas operations in Bangladesh, Sudan, Tanzania and Thailand (where applications from Cambodia and Laos are also dealt with). These countries all have high rates of TB and also represent the various kinds of entry clearance operation we have globally, but represent relatively low numbers of entry clearance applicants. A decision on the countries to be included in the next phase of the programme has not yet been made, but we will review the impact of the initial phase after six months to help inform the future roll out of the programme. Where low numbers of infectious cases have been identified through the pre-entry screening we will consider whether this represents a proportionate use of resources both for the applicant and the visa-issuing operation. We consider that the programme - and by extension the new clause to the Bill - could amount to indirect discrimination towards nationals of the countries to which the provision will apply. In this instance, we believe that the measure is justified by and is proportionate to the public policy objective of reducing the level of imported TB, protecting public health and ensuring public confidence in the migration system. '