Guest workers scheme under fire from AIDS groups

The seasonal worker program is expected to start next year. (ABC)

The Federal Government's Pacific guest worker scheme has been criticised by HIV AIDS support groups in Papua New Guinea.

The scheme will offer 2,500 temporary jobs to Pacific Islanders next year and the PNG Government says those who test positive for HIV/AIDS will not be allowed to take up seasonal work in Australia.

That decision has angered HIV supporters like Florence Memo from IGAT Hope.

"If Papua New Guinea says that we can't get because they're HIV positive then it's a total discrimination we're talking about," she said.

PNG Foreign Minister Sam Abal has defended the decision to introduce compulsory testing for the seasonal worker visa.

"This will be a requirement and part of that I think also helps us get people tested anyway," he said.

The seasonal worker program is expected to start next year.