Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed with Hepatitis B in July 2025 after an exposure in April. My doctors said it looks like I’m recovering and may clear the virus, but I’m still struggling a lot emotionally. I live in East Africa, where there is strong stigma around Hepatitis B. Because of that, I’ve lost friends, can’t talk to family, and feel completely isolated.
I’m a Somali refugee, and I was wondering if there are any countries where someone with Hepatitis B can live and work legally, or where I could register with the UNHCR for resettlement. I only have a one-way ticket abroad, and I was considering South Asia, but I don’t know much about Hepatitis B stigma or access to medical monitoring there.
I have no symptoms, haven’t been prescribed any medication yet, but I need to do regular check-ups and want to live in a place where I won’t face discrimination.
I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions from people or experts who know which countries are more understanding and supportive of those living with Hepatitis B, or how to apply for UNHCR resettlement in a safe way.
Thank you so much for reading and for your support.
this is my story New Hep B diagnosis (July) – am I infectious to housemates?
— code.ab
South Asia also has a stigma around HBV, as some of my Indian friends stayed away from me when they knew I dated someone with HBV –they think I will definitely have it too and told me to stay away from my boyfriend 
. I’m from East Asia, where people with chronic HBV infection cannot enter certain industries, and I now live in Australia. I would say even in Australia, people have a stigma around HBV too. I renewed my CPR certificate last week, and the trainer talked about HBV and HIV in an ignorant manner; for example, biting alone can lead to HBV infection. In Australia, it is way much better! Even though I saw the stigma, most industries are open to people with HBV, and in many industries, except for military, police, and hospital (practitioners should maintain their DNA load below a certain level), it is all good.
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Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience. It’s really helpful to hear an honest perspective from someone living in Australia who understands both the social stigma and the medical reality.
I’m currently in East Africa, and I face similar stigma here, which has made life quite difficult. It gives me hope to know that most industries in Australia are still open to people living with Hepatitis B.
May I ask if applicants with a low viral load and normal liver function face any issues when applying for work or humanitarian visas in Australia? I’ve read conflicting information online, and I’d really appreciate your insight. 
Hi @code.ab
Australia has a protection visa, and I think you can give it a go. I know some of my students’ parents are from Africa (I am a teacher), and they have protection visas. Even with HBsAg being positive, people can still be granted if the documentation aligns with the visa policies. One of my friends reported his status as chronic HepB carrier and still got granted, but he needs to do regular tests at the local medical centre. He needs to maintain his DNA load below 2000IU/mL. Australia government will also evaluate the cost of HepB and if you use Entecavir the cost is considered reasonable. If you use TDF the cost is over the immigration policy of ‘significant medical burden’. In most Australian industries, they don’t test HBsAg.
My boyfriend started his antiviral treatment months ago. Before he started, he worked as a tradie and everything was all good. No testing for HBsAg and no testing during his student years. We only knew he had HBV infection when my dad asked him to do serology, because my dad is a hepatological surgeon and he cares.
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Thank you so much again for such a detailed reply
That’s really helpful — I didn’t know Australia actually considers people with Hep B for protection visas as long as the condition is stable and the cost is manageable. It gives me a lot more confidence hearing that your friend was granted even with chronic Hep B.
If you don’t mind me asking — do you know anything about Malaysia or Indonesia?
I’ve been thinking about staying short-term in one of those countries before I decide on a longer move.
I wonder if they allow foreigners with Hep B to live or work, and whether it’s possible to go to clinics for blood tests and monitoring without facing stigma.
Are public or private clinics okay with that, or do they treat it differently?
I just want to stay somewhere calm and safe where I can quietly monitor my health and live normally while planning my next step.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge — your insights are really helping me understand the real situation better.
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@code.ab
No worries mate. To be more accurate, Australia considers applicants with significant life-threatening issues in their home countries and grants them protection visas. Even when people have chronic HBV infection, they can still be granted. I do not know much about Malaysia and Indonesia. I only know that Chinese students who want to study in Malaysia must prove their HBsAg negative. Regarding Indonesia, I have two colleagues originally from there, but they never go back to their home country.
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