[quote] In China you cant get a work visa if you have HIV, and thats been around a long time, and China is one if not the the biggest employer of international teachers in the world[/quote]
It's not only China that has this rule. Egypt is the same. I'm sure there are other countries too. Health requirements vary by country.
Have to agree, the 'random' drug testing can seem a bit convenient at times.
Thailand: Drug testing international school teachers
Difference
There is a difference between being able to get a tourist visa for a country, and getting a work visa/permit. Countries that wouldn't check, or give tourists a landing visa will admit entry those who are HIV positive, but a WORK visa/permit is a different story.
Solution
Well you can always have your own lab work done. The reason for the hair test is because the reactive compounds are imbedded in the cell structure when the hair is formed. So if they say you tested positive. You go to a clinic, give them a sample and have your own lab results done. If they test negative you go to the school, then the board, and then the ministry of labor/education.
On a side note, the privacy laws in many western countries just dont exist in many asian countries. Especially for private/independent schools. A private school could do the same thing really, and most of them included clauses in their contract that you consent to random drug testing. It wouldnt be as simple as a nurse coming into your classroom. You would receive notice and be told to go to a collection facility, but the end result would be the same. If you tested positive they could terminate you, just the same.
On a side note, the privacy laws in many western countries just dont exist in many asian countries. Especially for private/independent schools. A private school could do the same thing really, and most of them included clauses in their contract that you consent to random drug testing. It wouldnt be as simple as a nurse coming into your classroom. You would receive notice and be told to go to a collection facility, but the end result would be the same. If you tested positive they could terminate you, just the same.