Immigrants from more than 50 countries including Nigeria, South Korea, Russia and the Ukraine must take a TB test before travelling to the UK

All residents of these countries applying after December 31, 2013 to come to the UK for a period of six months or more, as well as non-residents applying from within one of the countries, must take a TB test and obtain a certificate from an approved health centre.

Similar measures for migrants from Malawi, Cameroon and the Philippines came into effect last year.

The policy also extends screenings for migrants staying more than six months from China and Hong Kong after tests were introduced last summer for individuals applying to settle in the UK.

The UKBA announced plans to extend a pilot screening programme to an additional 67 countries in May 2012 following a 5% increase in new cases of TB in the UK between 2010 and 2011 to 9,000 and the publication of research showing that non-UK born people accounted for three quarters of all new cases diagnosed.

After all country screenings are rolled out, the total number of countries from which migrants are required to have screenings will be 82, including those from the previous pilot scheme.

The Home Office said that the change brings UK practices in line with those of other countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.

Immigration Minister Mark Haper said the pre-entry screening will help end the spread of TB and be a cheaper alternative to screening at airports upon arrival, saving up to £40 million over the next 10 years.

“It’s essential that we take action to tackle the rise of tuberculosis cases in the UK,” he said. “The further expansion of our pre-entry screening process will help prevent the importation and spread of TB in the UK and save money for the tax payer in the process.”

Applications made before December 31 will not be affected nor will visitors who plan to remain in the UK for less than six months. Applicants must apply for a UK settlement visa within six months of receiving the certificate.