Job Discussion Forums

articulate_ink · Joined: 06 Mar 2004 Posts: 55 Location: Hong Kong

What health-related hoops do you have to jump through to get a work visa for Japan? A friend in a nearby Asian country -- who is HIV+ -- is likely to be offered a job in Tokyo. If that's where I end up, then we'd probably share a flat. Thought I'd ask the readers of this forum whether anyone could point me (us) in the right direction. Nothing is definite in either case, but if his serostatus will be a barrier to living in Japan, better to find out now before the plans go any farther...

Arrigato gozaimasu.

Tonester · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 6:00 am Post subject:

Well I'm pretty sure that a medical check-up may be required but I 'm not sure if HIV would be a barrier or not for entry to Japan.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I didn't have to do anything--no tests, no questionnaires, nothing. My school processed my visa for me when I first arrived, but I had to renew it on my own. My health was never an issue.

I do recall reading a thread a while back, though, that said something about certain jobs/employers (government? public schools?) that requested or required tests.

d

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

I have an answer but it's by no means definitive. At least from Canada, one of the WHV requirements is a "clean bill of health" letter from your family doctor.

But that generally does not involve blood work or extensive tests.... It's usually enough if the doctor merely writes up a statement that says he's examined you and doesn't see any clear reasons that would prevent you from travelling or getting sick while abroad... That's all.

Does that help?

fion · Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Posts: 69 Location: tokyo

Like Denise, I had no health enquiries of any kind either for the original visa or when I renewed.
I know that some teachers working in the elementary school/junior high school system get health checks in their workplace once a year, and my students tell me this is normal in Japanese companies. It's apparently intended as a benefit to employees, but it's of limited value to foreign teachers who sometimes see it as intrusive. I suppose in theory you could refuse.

Celeste · Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 11:38 pm Post subject:

If you are going to be working in the public school system, they do require a medical, that involves a chest x-ray for everyone, but blood work only for those over 30. (You also get to pee in a cup- I think this is a test for diabetes and proteins- indicative of liver function.) You also get weighed, measured(I don't think these testing centres are very accurate- according to them I am taller this year than I was last year. As I am nearly 30 , I doubt this is true), an eye test and a hearing test. People over 40 get prostate exams or pap smears (depending on gender).

I would be more concerned about your friend's medical care once he is here. Does anyone know what HIV/AIDS treatment technology is like here? How about health insurance? Is he on any medications now that he will have trouble importing to Japan or have trouble finding while here?