Entry regulations		Residence regulations		Additional information
		A negative HIV test result is required for residence and work permit applicants.		Deportations of people diagnosed with HIV have been reported.

HIV-specific entry and residence regulations for Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not a holiday destination. Foreigners who intend to work in Saudi Arabia need a local sponsor. There is HIV testing on entry. HIV-positive foreign nationals are expelled.

(Source: 1)

Residency and work permit applicants are required to undergo an HIV test. Permits are not granted in the case of a positive HIV test result.

 (Source: 2)

To obtain work and residence permits, you are required to obtain a medical report or physical examination confirming that you are free from contagious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis. If you test positive for HIV, you will not be allowed to work in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has not imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on other categories of travellers.

 (Source: 3)

You must produce an HIV test certificate and proof of a criminal background check if you intend to work in Saudi Arabia.

(Source: 4)

A number of countries in the MENA region have restrictions on entry, stay or residence for people living with HIV. These laws, and the ways they are implemented, often impinge upon the human rights of people living with HIV.

These restrictions based on HIV status have been adopted by all Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), which are major destinations for migrant workers, particularly from Asia.

(Source: 5)

 

HIV treatment information for Saudi Arabia

No information available

 

HIV information / HIV NGOs in Saudi Arabia

Updated information is available through the aidsmap search engine at http://www.aidsmap.com/e-atlas

 

Global Criminalisation of HIV Transmission Scan

The Global Criminalisation Scan is an initiative of GNP+. It aims to collect and keep up to date information on national and state level laws criminalising the transmission of or exposure to HIV. It also aims to provide an easily accessible ‘clearing-house’ of resources, research, and initiatives on the subject and to provide a platform for advocacy initiatives.

Find out more about the scan and the criminalisation of HIV transmission legislation at http://criminalisation.gnpplus.net/.

 

Sources

1. German Embassy, Riyadh, January 31, 2000
2. German Embassy, Riyadh, December 10, 2007
3.  US Department Of State; Bureau of Consular Affairs; https://travel.state.gov / April 16, 2018; consulted July 9, 2018
4. Government of Canada website, Travel and tourism information travel.gc.ca, consulted July 9, 2018
5. AVERT Global information and education on HIV and AIDS, www.avert.org, consulted July 9, 2018

 

updated: 7/9/2018
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