Dispersal of HIV positive asylum seekers: national survey of UK healthcare providers

Abstract

the UK National Asylum Support Service started a policy of dispersing asylum seekers from London and southeast England to alternative locations around the United Kingdom in an attempt to spread the cost of care. 1 Although the number of people with HIV who are affected by this policy is unknown, more than 100 000 asylum seekers have so far been dispersed, many of whom are from regions with HIV/ AIDS epidemics. 2 Asylum seekers may only receive 48 hours' notice, and, if they decline dispersal, then they face immediate cessation of income, housing, and legal support. Decisions about the dispersal of HIV positive asylum seekers should take into account expert medical and professional advice as dispersal may detrimentally affect the health of HIV positive asylum seekers. e asked doctors working in genitourinary medicine about their experiences and opinions of the dispersal of HIV positive asylum seekers.