Oman requires HIV test for Filipino travelers - airline

MANILA, April 17 ------ Filipinos flying to Oman, whether for work or tourism, need to present a negative HIV test to be allowed on their flights, Oman Air ground staff said.

Personnel of the Muscat-headquartered flag carrier said implementation of the policy began last month, although there is no mention of it on the airline's website or social media pages. There have been no formal announcements of the policy, although there have been reports online and on message boards about people being offloaded for not having HIV clearance.

Passengers are only informed of the policy at check-in counters. The requirement applies to all visa types but children are exempted from the policy. "Marami ngang nagrereklamo, pero siyempre kailangan nila mag-comply," one ground staff told ABS-CBN News.

The Philippine Embassy in Muscat earlier this week acknowledged receiving reports of the new requirement but advised Filipino travelers to check with their airlines. "Please be informed that no official confirmation has been received from Omani authorities," it said in an April 14 advisory.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com