Key Points
- Tito* has been living in Australia for seven years on a student visa.
- Being HIV positive may deter him from obtaining permanent residency in Australia.
- Australia is one of 40 countries that continue to have visa restrictions for people living with HIV.
Listen to the interview
Pulang Laso Episode 2: Tito
SBS Filipino
13:24
(*Tito is a pseudonym.)
When Tito* found out he was HIV positive, he wasn’t concerned too much about his physical health because of advancements in medication and support.
"I was more worried about the consequences of the diagnosis – what it would mean for our visa plans, our residency,” he said.
Tito has called Queensland home for seven years, but due to the diagnosis - and the visa restrictions attached to it - he and his partner may not be allowed to put down roots in Australia.
‘I had an ominous feeling’
Tito had no inkling he had the virus, until a female workmate encouraged him and his partner to accompany her to get tested.
“She [was prompted] by a video she saw in YouTube regarding sexual health," he recalled.
“We went to the clinic closest to work. It was so random, and we weren’t expecting anything from it.”
Tito said he had an “ominous feeling” when the test facilitator disclosed his results. Credit: Towfiqu barbhuiya from Pexels
“I don’t know … it felt dark and cold. And when they announced I was positive, I had shivers all over my body.
“I asked the facilitator if they could help me disclose my status to my partner.”
As he tried to wrap his head around his new status, Tito admits that he couldn’t quite remember how his partner took the news.
“I remember my partner being supportive, especially because the approach of the test facilitator was good, reassuring us of the support and medication available," Tito said. Credit: Angela Roma from Pexels
They said that [HIV] was no longer a death sentence, and that everything was going to be okay.Tito
Despite the likelihood that Tito had been carrying the virus for years, his partner tested negative.
“Our relationship is referred to as because I’m positive, and he is negative," Tito explained.
“My viral load when I got tested was high, but I didn't infect my partner.”
After nearly a month of medication, the virus was undetectable in Tito's body. Credit: Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels
“Doctors said that my was high and my immunity was strong again; but despite the great news, I knew that the diagnosis would make it more impossible for us to reside in Australia permanently.”
Status quo
According to , "Partner visas require HIV testing. At the end of the day, Australia will look at how much it will cost Medicare."
Although visa applications of those with HIV aren't automatically turned down, the Australian Federation of Aids Organisations (AFAO) found that the health requirements for permanent residency are strict and most people with the virus do not meet it.
Because of this likelihood, temporary visa holders in Australia fear getting tested for HIV because it could negatively affect their permanent residency application.
In a , Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said, "Australia’s approach to migration health requirements does not meet community expectations.
Australian Immigration Minister Andrew Giles Source: AAP / AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
According to the AFAO, the main reason for visa rejection is that the cost of antiretroviral therapy (ART) over a person’s lifetime is typically "significant".
From July 1, 2022, individuals living with HIV have been able to access .
Source: AAP
"I initially started with a Project Management degree, but it was removed from the skills list," Tito said.
"I had a Bachelor of Development or Social Work from back home. It is in-demand at the moment so I decided to shift to that.
All my batch mates from my Master's program are either PR or citizens now. I'm happy for them; but not being able to do the same takes a toll on my mental health and well-being.Tito
While his partner can apply for a visa, Tito's status could be an issue because all family members included in the application must satisfy the health requirement.
"My partner and I came to Australia together. We sometimes even joke around that we might split for right now and find each other partners so it’s much easier," he joked.
For now, visa pathways for the two are limited, with a hard-to-obtain work sponsorship as the most viable option.
'Don't let the diagnosis define you'
With limited options and an uncertain future ahead, Tito said he has had to work doubly hard "to get his light back".
Don’t let other people or society dim your light. My light has diminished a little bit, but slowly, I'm getting it back.Tito
"I acknowledge the stigma - both external and internal. I try not to believe in negative narratives. I don't want to lose hope," he said.
"What defines me is my character. It's not my diagnosis."
