PR on Medical Tests

AEB Action: Restrictions Lifted on Medical Tests for Work Permits

New Ruling From Federal Anti-Monopoly Service on Medical Certificates for Work Permit Applications

The Association of European Businesses, which represents the interests of over 550 European companies in Russia, announces that it has won a case regarding restrictions on where foreign citizens can obtain medical certificates for work permit applications.

In order to obtain a work permit, foreign citizens are required to submit documents to the Federal Migration Service certifying that they do not carry HIV or other infectious diseases (syphilis, tuberculosis, Chlamydia, chancres), and are not users of illegal drugs. Earlier this year, the authorities in Moscow began refusing test results from non-government clinics – a move that has no basis in migration law.

The AEB sent a complaint to the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service stating that refusal to countenance results from private clinics constituted a breach of the competition laws. According to Resolution No. 3-25-16/07 dated 10th September 2007 of the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service, the respective authorities must now accept medical certificates (for syphilis, tuberculosis, chlamydia, chancres and narcotics use) from any licensed clinic. However, restrictions will continue to apply to HIV certificates. According to Federal law No 38-F3 ("On Prevention of the Spread of the Disease Caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)") the authorities can insist that HIV certificates are issued only from state-run clinics.

For further information on AEB press releases, please contact Amy Cartwright at amy.cartwright@aebus.ru, 721 1760 ext. 116