The 14^th National Assembly (NA) has discussed the extension of the implementation of Resolution No.30/2016/QH14, on the piloted issuance of e-visas for foreigners entering Viet Nam, during their ongoing sixth session in Ha Noi on November 5.

Passengers at the Da Nang International Airport

The NA Standing Committee agreed with the suggestion to extend the scheme for two more years, starting from February 1, 2019. 

It also asked the Government to promptly prepare the draft Law on the Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam for submission to the legislature. 

Minister of Public Security, General To Lam said the Government has decided to experiment with granting e-visas to citizens from 46 countries worldwide, enabling them to enter Vietnam through one of 28 international border gates around the country. 

The issuance of the resolution is a sound policy, making positive contributions to global integration, he said. 

Many deputies stressed the need to continue piloting the resolution in order to develop tourism, thus contributing to socio-economic development. 

Deputy Dinh Cong Sy from the northern mountainous province of Son La suggested adding columns for feedback from foreigners on Vietnamese authority procedures on the relevant portals. 

The NA Committee for National Defence and Security proposed reviewing the risks of allowing foreigners’ entry to Viet Nam using e-visas towards national security and social safety and order, and outlining relevant measures. 

Deputy Luu Binh Nhuong from the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre agreed with the committee’s proposal, saying that there is the issue of illegal foreign workers remaining in Viet Nam and whether it is linked to the issuance of e-visas or not.

(Source: VNA/ DA NANG Today)