Russia is forcing foreigners to undergo compulsory health checks
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced to the media that it would like to note “favorable conditions”
Source: AP / Alexei Nikolsky
Since the spring, regular medical check-ups have been mandatory for Germans and other foreigners: in addition to taking blood samples and x-rays, the Russian government wants to take fingerprints and report drug use and sexually transmitted diseases to authorities.
R.ussland introduces compulsory medical examinations for Germans and other foreigners. The order goes into effect on Wednesday. At the request of reporters, the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow announced that it would like to see “favorable conditions” for media representatives and their families.
The law therefore recommends extensive medical examinations every three months from next spring. This includes taking blood samples as well as x-rays or CT scans.
The German-Russian Chamber of Commerce (AHK) abroad has already warned of the consequences for the Russian economy if the new regulation continues to be implemented. If business representatives are to suffer, there is a risk that “important foreign managers for Russia will leave Russia in large numbers.”
The chamber sent a letter in December calling on the Russian government to weaken the law.
By law, foreigners can be exposed to tuberculosis, drug use, syphilis and HIV. According to the AHK, the results of the investigation should be forwarded to the Russian Migration Authority. So fingerprints are also mandatory. Those who deny the risk of having their work permit revoked.
“Is it about health or discrimination?”
The Kremlin’s leading newspaper “Novaya Gazeta” asked in a statement on the reform: “Is this about community health or discrimination?” Russian officials argue that the new procedure will improve the health situation in the largest country. Area Earth.
For example, foreigners in the EU fear not only possible treatment errors but also unwanted radiation exposure from planned X-ray examinations, considering the health system is less comfortable compared to Western countries. At first it was not known what would happen if someone got sick – whether the victims should leave the country.
It is also unclear how compulsory examinations can be safely arranged in view of the high levels of pollution caused by corona infection. In addition, data security holes in Russia are considered to be full. Again and again, large amounts of personal data are made public.
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