TB screening unlikely to affect majority of Indians: Britain

CHANDIGARH: Britain today said majority of the Indians visiting the UK are unlikely to be affected by the country's decision to hold a TB screening test for foreign travellers from 67 countries seeking visa for a stay of over six months.

"We estimate that a vast majority of Indians, nearly 75 per cent that includes tourists, business people and other visitors to the UK will not be affected by the decision," Britain's High Commissioner James Bevan told reporters here.

The remaining 25 per cent Indians coming to the UK are mostly students, he said.

Recently, Britain had approved a pre-entry screening programme for foreign travellers wanting to enter the UK for more than six months from 67 countries including India.

Bevan said the list of 67 countries also includes China and Pakistan.

"TB is obviously a global disease. At the moment, there are 15 countries, including Pakistan, whose citizens are screened for TB before we issue them the visa.

"We have now decided to extend this requirement to 67 countries that includes India and China," Bevan said.

The cost of screening and subsequent treatment would be met by those applying to visit the UK, the Britain's Home Office had said on Monday.