COVID-19: Process for foreign investors, workers entry approval created

IMPACT – HIGH

Vietnam has created a process for companies and other work organizations to apply for entry approval in order to bring foreign nationals into the country for work purposes.

Key Points:

• The Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has issued directives and guidance on how to apply for entry approval for foreign investors, business managers, experts, specialists, and highly skilled workers for work purposes.
• Companies and organizations that wish to obtain entry approval for these individuals must submit an official request to the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in the local provinces. The Provincial People’s committee will review requests. For requests that are approved, the Provincial People’s committee will work with public security and health authorities involved in the issuing of entry visas. It will also arrange 14-day quarantines, conduct COVID-19 tests, arrange transportation from the airport to the quarantine place, ensure security, order, and public health safety and conduct health monitoring.
• Companies and organizations are to use a standard request letter and form to apply for entry approval and must include details such as the individual’s name, passport number, work permit status, and proposed entry date.
• The application deadline is different for each province:
  • For HCMC Labour Department, the deadline is June 8.
  • For Binh Duong Industrial Zones Authority, the deadline is June 15.
  • For Dong Nai Industrial Zones Authority, no deadline has been provided.
• All travelers authorized to enter Vietnam will be required to stay for 14 days at a government designated quarantine center or hotel which will be determined prior to departure and communicated to the sponsoring company/organization. During quarantine, health monitoring tests will be conducted.

Analysis & Comments: The creation of the entry approval application process for companies and work organizations that wish to bring foreign investors or workers into the country is good news, as it could facilitate business and work opportunities. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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