Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has made “strong representations” to the Omani government to scrap a reported requirement for Filipino travelers to present a negative HIV test before entry.
In a statement Friday, the DFA said it has raised the issue with the Oman Embassy in Manila following reports that some Filipinos were asked to submit medical certificates before travel.
The Omani embassy clarified that the requirement applies only to tourists availing of visa-free entry to Oman and not to Filipinos holding work visas.
The embassy also said the policy is under review by Omani authorities, with a meeting scheduled next week to discuss the matter.
“The DFA expects a positive outcome given the good and strong relationship between the Philippines and Oman,” the agency said.
The clarification came after a circular from Oman Air dated March 1 circulated online, stating that Filipino travelers may be required to present a negative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test result before boarding flights.
The advisory indicated that the requirement applied regardless of the country of departure and formed part of pre-arrival medical examination procedures.
It also appeared to cover travelers within the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.
Children were exempted from the requirement, while only results from accredited clinics or medical centers would be accepted by airline ground staff.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said authorities are coordinating with the host government to confirm the policy.
“We have heard of such a requirement, but we are still reaching out and validating this with the host government,” Cacdac said.
“And rest assured, we are assisting OFWs who have encountered this kind of situation. But at this stage, we cannot confirm if such a requirement is indeed in place,” he added.
With reports from Chim Cantos
