Post-COVID-19, Vietnam provides entry approval guidance for foreign workers, investors, students

May 29, 2020

HANOI -- As part of numerous measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 from other virus-hit nations, Vietnam is still imposing a general entry ban on foreign nationals. But there are exemptions    including for those entering Vietnam for diplomatic or official duty purposes, or for those classified under "special circumstances".

This category covers foreign nationals attending or participating in major foreign affairs activities, experts, business managers, highly-skilled workers, investors, and foreign students studying in Vietnam.

In a Client Alert, lawyers Baker McKenzie say the encouraging situation in Vietnam -- where there have been low COVID-19 infection rates and no fatalities -- the Vietnamese Government has called on employers to resume business activities.

"With the aim of supporting enterprises to transition to business as usual, even as the entry ban on foreign nationals remains effective, the Prime Minister has ordered relevant authorities to facilitate the entry of foreigners," the BM Alert says.

"Accordingly, the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control has issued an Official Letter dated May 23, 2020 regarding assisting foreigners who are investors, technical experts, high-skilled workers and business managers ("Exempted Foreigners") to enter Vietnam to work.

"The Official Letter provides necessary procedures for obtaining entry approval for Exempted Foreigners, as well as applicable preventive measures upon entry."

www.bakermckenzie.com (ATI).