Job Discussion Forums

randm · Joined: 24 Nov 2011 Posts: 9

Hi

I am currently look for a job and was considering China or South Korea. I've now found out that both of these countries require a bloodtest in order to get a working visa.

I'm sure many people will think this is silly but I have a big problem with needles and so have now crossed these 2 countries off of my list of plces to work.

Please could anyone tell me if other countries they've worked in have required a bloodtest for the visa?

I'm from UK. I would like to go to Asia so now I'm thinking about Taiwan or Vietnam, maybe Turkey. But info on any country would be useful.

Thanks

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Try http://hivtravel.org/ for lists of countries that specify whether a blood test is needed for entry. You can then check the specific country's embassy website for more information on visa requirements.

Tip: When having your blood drawn, avoid watching the technician stick the needle in your arm.

tttompatz · Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:16 pm Post subject: Re: Bloodtest required for visas

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Japan doesn't require a blood test for visas, but many jobs will require an annual physical, where blood is taken.

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

You can definitely cross Saudi Arabia off your list, if you're scared of needles. I had to have 3 blood tests for my work visa. I joined a government sports club, and was told I had to give a blood test for that too! I've also heard you need a blood test to get a Saudi driver's licence.
Turkey doesn't require blood, or any kind of physical at all(this was a few years ago, so this may have changed).

Remember, as another poster has pointed out, it's not just government requirements that might hamper your choice of jobs. A lot of individual employers require physicals too, which will probably involve giving blood. This was the case for me when I was working in Korea.

I know it's easily said, as I've suffered from phobias in the past myself, but you could try and be brave, bite the bullet, and get them over with. It'll certainly expand your options quite a bit. Smile

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

[quote="nomad soul"]Try http://hivtravel.org/ for lists of countries that specify whether a blood test is needed for entry. You can then check the specific country's embassy website for more information on visa requirements.

Tip: When having your blood drawn, avoid watching the technician stick the needle in your arm.[/quote]

Oddly enough, there was research published quite recently that suggested the opposite is true. If you look at the injection happening, it isn't as stressful. Not what you would expect, but there you go. Smile

MisterButtkins · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1221

You can't be serious. It takes 1 second for them to stick the needle in, that's it. If you can't deal with 1 second of unpleasantness in order to work for years in a foreign country then maybe you should just stay home. Man up and deal with it, or just stay home. Are you really going to let 1 second of pain interfere with what you what to do with your life? Strap on a sack.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

randm · Joined: 24 Nov 2011 Posts: 9

Thank-you for your replies.

The hivtravel website is useful. I knew a few countries required a bloodtest but I didn't know it was so many. I does limit my options. However, I was having trouble in deciding where to focus on looking for a job so maybe it is actually helpful.

I had my first and last bloodtest just over a year ago to get married. It was difficult and i'm not doing it again. However, again on a positive note I did find out my blood group (O neg) and I don't have HIV.

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

Blood tests, especially for visas, cover a lot more than just HIV. Even if you can be 100% certain you won't be required to have an HIV test, there is still a huge likelihood that you will be required to have a blood test for other diseases, illnesses, problems. Even if it's not a visa requirement many employers will require it as part of a regular medical, or for any number of other reasons. In Ecuador for example, you have to have a blood test to get a driving licence, just knowing your blood type isn't enough, it has to be tested at an official centre.

Also, if you go to any country where there are issues with water or insect borne diseases or parasites, you are going to have problems. If you are going to refuse to be tested if you get sick you will be uninsurable, and that will make you a liability to your employer, and leave you in a very vulnerable position.

Is it just blood tests that are an issue, or vaccinations as well?

KimWilson86 · Joined: 06 May 2011 Posts: 1 Location: York

I am also terrified of needles and having blood taken. Oddly enough if they used leeches I wouldn't care its the needles I wouldn't care.
I'm hoping to go to Korea so I guess blood test it is.
I love the idea of singing might try singing the Wombles. No one can be scared when singing the Wombles. Smile