Vietnam Archives

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Vietnamese government has announced exemptions to its entry requirements for qualifying foreign nationals, overseas Vietnamese nationals and their relatives.

Key Points:

Individuals who hold a valid permanent resident card, temporary residence card, visa or visa exemption certificate are exempt from entry permit requirements and the immigration approval process.
Foreign nationals who do not hold a valid permanent resident cards, temporary residence card, visa or visa exemption certificate and are traveling to Vietnam for work purposes must get an entry demand approval.
Entry demand requests must be sponsored by a host entity in Vietnam, issued by the People’s Committee and approved by immigration authorities.

BAL Analysis: The government intends to reduce the administrative burden for individuals who hold a valid permanent resident card, temporary residence card, visa or visa exemption certificate. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Vietnamese government has recognized the vaccine certificates of 72 countries and territories.

Key Points:

As of Oct. 21, authorities recognize the vaccination certificates of foreign nationals from Australia, Brazil, China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the U.S. and 66 other countries.
Eligible travelers will undergo a reduced 7-day quarantine if they have proof of vaccination. The normal quarantine period is 14 days.
More information on entry requirements and health protocols can be found here.

BAL Analysis: Vietnam’s decision allows fully vaccinated travelers from the aforementioned countries to enter the country with reduced health requirements. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Ministry of Labor Invalids and Social Affairs has directed provincial labor authorities to reduce document requirements for experts, specialists and technicians applying for work permits.

Key Points:

Previously issued work permits can now serve as evidence of past work experience to justify the qualification for a new work permit application.
Applicants may now provide certificates of graduation as evidence of qualifications; previously, only official diplomas or degrees were accepted.
Applicants may now submit a copy of their passport that has not been notarized.

Additional Information: Foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit in one province may now be temporarily transferred to work in another province for six months without having to apply for a new permits. Employers must notify the provincial labor authorities when transferring an employee. Labor authorities have yet to announce when and how this will be implemented at the local level.

BAL Analysis: The Vietnamese government has reduced current administrative requirements for the issuance and re-issuance of work permits for foreign nationals to help businesses and individuals recover from the ongoing pandemic. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Ministry of Health recently announced that it would reduce the quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers granted approval to enter Vietnam.

Key Points:

As of Aug. 4, the Vietnamese government reduced the required quarantine from 28 days to 14 days if the following conditions are met:
- The traveler has a vaccination certificate showing he or she has received the last applicable dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days but no more than 12 months before intended arrival, or has a recovery certificate proving the individual recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months.
- The traveler possesses a negative PCR test result that was conducted 72 hours before departure.
The 14-day quarantine consists of a seven-day stay in a designated hotel and a seven-day stay at home.

Additional Information: Upon arrival, travelers will be tested and continue to be monitored for COVID-19 during the quarantine period.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Vietnamese government recently extended health protocols for Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hanoi for an additional two weeks.

HCMC:

Officials extended Directive 16 on July 23 for HCMC for at least two weeks.
- Residents living in high-risk areas or districts are not allowed to leave their residence except for food or medical visits.
The Labor Department in HCMC will continue to operate at reduced capacity; the Immigration Department, consulates and notary services will remain closed indefinitely.

Hanoi:

Officials extended Directive 16 on July 24 for Hanoi for at least two weeks.
- Restaurants, public transportation and non-essential businesses will remain closed. Most employees are required to work from home, and companies must operate with a minimum number of staff in the office.
As of July 26, the Labor Department began accepting entry demand approval applications online only and will not receive visitors or issue work permit applications until the end of the two-week lockdown.
The Immigration Department will remain open with a reduced workforce.
Embassies, consulates and notary services may be open, but individuals should check the availability of services on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Information: As of July 14, the mandatory hotel quarantine was reduced form 21 days to 14 days. Following the hotel quarantine, individuals must quarantine for an additional 14 days at home. All travelers arriving in Vietnam must have a PCR test conducted within 72 hours of arrival.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labor Invalids and Social Affairs (HCMC DOLISA) has restarted accepting work permit applications for Chinese e-passport holders.

Key points:

Before the recent change, HCMC DOLISA had not accepted work permit applications for Chinese e-passport holders for over a year. Officials began accepting the applications without issuing an official notice.
The Hanoi DOLISA had previously not accepted work permit applications from Chinese e-passport holders either but began accepting the applications in March.

BAL Analysis: The change finally allows companies in HCMC to apply for work permits for their Chinese employees.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Vietnam’s government has announced changes to the Labor Code that impact work permits for foreign nationals. The following changes will be implemented Feb. 15:

Foreign experts and specialists who wish to apply for work permits must (1) have at least five years of work experience and a proper practicing certificate which is relevant to the job title applied for in Vietnam or (2) have at least a proper bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of work experience in a field that is related to the job they desire in Vietnam.
Foreign nationals who enter Vietnam for short work trips lasting less than 30 days and undertake no more than three of these trips each year will not need a work permit to work in Vietnam.

Additional Information: In June 2020, the Vietnamese government 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.

Analysis & Comments: Employers may wish to consult with Deloitte to discuss how the Labor code changes may impact their business.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Vietnam recently announced an automatic extension of stay for certain foreigners to provide relief to them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

An automatic extension of stay will be granted through June 30 to foreign nationals who entered Vietnam on or after March 1 using a tourist visa, e-visa or visa exemption certificate. Foreign nationals in Vietnam can leave the country through June 30 without needing to apply for an extension of stay.
The same automatic extension may apply to foreign nationals who traveled to Vietnam before March 1 if they have proof they were unable to leave the country because of reasons beyond their control such as the mandatory quarantine or needing medical treatment. The proof in this case is a letter from their Consulate or Embassy describing their predicament. It may also be necessary to show this document when leaving the country.
The automatic extension does not apply to those who entered using a business visa sponsored by a host entity. In this case, a request can be made by the host entity to sponsor the extension for foreign nationals who travelled to Vietnam for purposes such as work, business or visiting relatives.

Analysis & Comments: The automatic extension of stay is good news because it provides some relief to foreign nationals stranded in Vietnam. 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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Vietnamese government has implemented multiple new travel measures to halt the spread of COVID-19.

What does the change mean? Travelers arriving from Italy or Iran who left those countries less than 14 days ago will be denied entry or will be placed in a government quarantine area. The Immigration Departments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have temporarily stopped issuing visas of all categories to Korean, Italian and Iranian nationals. Visa exemptions for citizens of South Korea and Italy have also been temporarily suspended until further notice.

Implementation time frame: Ongoing from March 2.
Visas/permits affected: Any visa used for inbound travel from the target countries and locations. Initial/new work permit and re-issues for Korean and Chinese nationals will also be impacted.
Who is affected: All travelers from Iran, Italy, South Korea and COVID-19-impacted areas. Korean and Chinese nationals working in Vietnam or wishing to do so may be affected as well.
Business impact: The new travel measures will affect all forms of travel from the targeted countries and COVID-19 areas, including travel for business.
Next steps: The new travel measures are in force until further notice. Employers should expect that any employees who are in the target countries or areas will be denied entry, placed in a government quarantine or be required to complete a medical declaration questionnaire upon arrival.

Additional information: The Ho Chi Minh City Labor Department has temporarily stopped accepting applications for initial/new work permits and renewals for Korean and Chinese nationals. Business and work visa renewal procedures for foreign nationals coming from countries strongly affected by the epidemic are subject to additional travel declaration requirements which the host company must sign. Travelers from areas impacted by COVID-19 may be requested to complete a medical declaration questionnaire after arriving in Vietnam, which a Health Quarantine officer will review.

Analysis & Comments: The new measures for travelers from Iran, Italy, South Korea and COVID-19-impacted areas represent Vietnam’s latest efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19. Those planning travel to Vietnam from the target countries and areas may wish to reconsider their plans. The response to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.