Korean Job Discussion Forums

[plato's republic]

From the Chosun Ilbo:

UN Chief Asks Seoul to Drop HIV Test for Foreign TeachersKorean officials say they have been asked by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to discontinue the practice of testing foreign teachers for the AIDS virus.

Officials in the prime minister's office confirmed Tuesday that Ban made the request when he visited Seoul last week ahead of a G20 economic summit.

Korea, China and the United States all acted earlier this year to lift a ban on visitors carrying HIV. But Korea continues to test foreign teachers, most of whom are native English speakers teaching language classes. Those who test positive can lose their jobs and be forced to leave the country.

Foreign teachers say the practice is discriminatory and contributes to their being stigmatized as drug abusers and sexually promiscuous.

Let's see if anything comes of it. Don't hold your breath.

[Junior]

Its a blessing that Ban has been able to get experience in international norms ...and bring back some of the brighter ideas to Korea.

Next up lets hope he petitions for E2 holders to be allowed to change jobs without having to change visas.

[Steelrails]

[cj1976]

The only issue I have with the mandatory HIV test is that we have to pay for it ourselves. That's a little unfair because we have to pay to disprove their misguided prejudice. It should be provided free of charge if it's really that important to them.

[oldfatfarang]

SMOE banning corporal punishment. Changes to discriminatory practices against western teachers. Is there a meeting of foreign dignatories in town?

[Steelrails]

[geldedgoat]

Man, I couldn't help but laugh at this. Maybe after a long enough time in Wonderland, you find it ridiculous when the flowers stop talking.

At any rate, that's one irrational, discriminatory policy down; just a few dozen more to go.

[carleverson]

[Stan Rogers]

I disagree. I think every foreigner who wishes to reside in Korea should be tested for HIV.

[milspecs]

why are some people against being tested for HIV?

[TheUrbanMyth]

[oldfatfarang]

[allovertheplace]

Its not that the HIV test is difficult to take...the point is its racist. Racism which is upheld by the state and thus should be illegal. Ok...so you want to work in America as a dishwasher...take an aids test first.

The UN is standing up for whats right. This isnt about getting rid of the hassle of getting tested by rather making it illegal to discriminate. That being said, its also terrible that if you have HIV you will be deported and fired. Homophobia, racism etc. Why should you have a life altering and ending disease, which you may have gotten from non sexual activity, and then get fired because of it. Most people here just complained it was wrong because of having to pay for it etc. Lets start realizing the terrible implications which the tests imply and applaud the UN for there actions.

[milspecs]

Most countries have different standards when it comes to allowing foreigners in to their country to work.

And most of them aren't fair, but its standard practice. Sure some countries might not test for AIDS, but when all you need is a Degree, a few background checks and medical tests to work legally in Korea. It seems fairly lax compared to other countries, no?

[Steelrails]