6 May 2022

Immigrants with HIV applying for refugee status due to fear government will kick them out

From Morning Report, 8:20 am on 6 May 2022

Some immigrants are applying for refugee status because they've tested positive for HIV in New Zealand and are worried the government will kick them out.

Immigration rules mean people with HIV applying for visas will be assessed on a case by case basis, with all visa applicants requiring a medical check.

This rule was introduced in October 2021 but before that there was a blanket ban because people with HIV were seen as being likely to impose significant costs or demands on health services.

Jake McKee reports.