UK visitor visa applicants don’t need TB screening

United Kingdom, 24th May: The UK government clarified its new pre-screening requirements for TB.

As per the UK government, those wanting to come to the UK and stay there for less than six months will not be required to undergo TB screening.

Indians relieved by new UK government clarifications—This latest announcement is a big relief for many Indians wanting to get UK visitor visas for going to the UK in the coming times.

The UK Home Office had announced this Monday that all foreigners from 69 nations will have to pass pre-screening TB if they want to come to the UK on UK visitor visas. And this had alarmed a large number of foreigners aspiring to visit the UK sooner.

about the issue, James Bevan, UK High Commissioner, said the latest immigration ruling will not be meant for UK visitor visa applicants.

It will be applicable to only those who want to come and stay in the UK for a period extending six months, he affirmed.

Majority of Indians unlikely to be affected-UK—UK High Commissioner Bevan further stated that it is being estimated that a large number of Indians, around 75 percent of them, including business people, tourists and other UK visitors are not going to be affected by the latest UK government’s decision regarding pre-screening for TB.

It may be noted that around two days ago, the UK government had announced to extend the mandatory pre-screening for TB for foreigners from 15 nations to 67 nations

This included China and India among other nations. Foreigners from all the 67 nations on the revised list will have to show a medical certificate before making applications for a UK visa, Bevan informed.

The UK High Commission is still considering the procedure for health tests as already adopted by other nations including the US before making any final decision in this regard for conducting TB screening, informed the UK High Commissioner Bevan. It is still being worked out as to who will be issuing medical certificates, he clarified.

UK open to Indians--He further maintained that the new rules are, in no way, a deterrent for Indians wanting to come to the UK. In fact, the new rules are aimed to curb undocumented immigration while putting a check on the immigration levels.

Preference will be on those who can make greatest contributions to the UK economy, he asserted.