Vietnam has affirmed that there’s no ban on the entry of foreign experts amid the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic evolution.

A group of South Korean experts upon arrival in Haiphong city in July 2020. Photo: Cong An Hai Phong

However, the permission would ensure that safety regulations are met, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan said at a government meeting on May 5.

Allowing the entry of foreign experts must be selective and effective in terms of socio-economic development, Thuan said in a statement.

He noted that since the resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 in Vietnam on April 29, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested to reactivate the interdisciplinary working group consisting of five ministries namely National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Public Security, Health, and Transport to consider the entry of foreign experts to Vietnam.

The working group will analyze every single case to decide whether they are eligible to enter Vietnam or not.

At the meeting on May 5, Minister and Chairman of the Government’s Office Tran Van Son also emphasized the importance of safety to the people and for the sake of the country.

He noted that the enforcement of Covid-19 regulations must be tough without exception and any activities that cover up illegal immigration or violations of precautionary measures must be strictly punished, including criminal punishment.

Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners, except for diplomats, officials, foreign investors, experts, and skilled workers since March 22, 2020 with an aim to limit the spread of Covid-19.

The country’s leadership has also affirmed that they would never exchange economic interest to people’s health.

As stipulated by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), immigrants who are foreign experts must be negative with RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 taken at least 3-5 days before the entry.

For foreign experts whose visits are just for meetings or signing ceremonies, the meeting location should be near the boundary areas to minimize inland travel.

For those who stay to work in the country, hosting organizations and companies must notify the authorities of lodging facilities, means of transport, quarantine, preventive measures, and lists of people in the contact.

From May 5, the Ministry of Health extended the quarantine period to 21 days from 14 days earlier for foreign arrivals and those who come into contact with Covid-19 patients.

The decision was made after several individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 despite completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

So far, people have some quarantine options, including at state-run quarantine centers and hotel quarantine.