(MOFA) - On 9 April 2020, at the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a reporter’s question on the assistance provided to Vietnamese citizens abroad, including students and workers, in returning home, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang stated:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given directions to the Vietnamese  overseas missions and coordinated with domestic and foreign authorities in the repatriation of Vietnamese citizens. To date, nearly 1,500 citizens have been safely repatriated. A small number of citizens remains stranded at international airports as a result of the measures against COVID-19 imposed by authorities of various countries and territories, including adjusted regulations on entry, exit and transit, and the cancellation, suspension or change of flight plans. To my knowledge, several Vietnamese citizens have also encountered visa-related difficulties due to the unavailability of flights back home.

Vietnamese overseas missions have been collaborating closely with international carriers and authorities of their accredited countries to resolve  visa-related difficulties encountered by Vietnamese citizens, ensure the provision of healthcare and essential commodities, and assist the citizens in finding and arranging flights back to Viet Nam. Nonetheless, it should be reminded that the overseas missions may not be able to address all difficulties faced by citizens in returning home.

In the coming time, in keeping with the direction of the Prime Minister, the Vietnamese overseas missions shall propose plans for repatriation of citizens, with priority given to the elderly, the infirm, and children under 18 years old, taking into account the overall situation and the capacity of domestic quarantine facilities.

Regarding the few cases of Vietnamese citizens who do not have personal identity papers and legal overseas employment contracts, identity verification will be conducted in coordination with domestic and foreign competent authorities, with a view to finding suitable solutions.