Vietnam’s Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at a regular press conference held today (August 22) that reports suggesting British citizens could have their passports confiscated and be banned from leaving Vietnam are completely false.

The press conference on August 22. Photo: Viet Anh/The Hanoi Times

According to reporters at the press conference, the UK newspaper Mirror had reported last week that the British Foreign Office warned that some British citizens in Vietnam might face exit bans and passport confiscation.

The warning from the British Foreign Office indicated that these bans could be linked to investigations into individuals and organizations accused of violating business regulations, causing traffic accidents, working without proper visas, or owing taxes.

“We completely and firmly oppose this false information,” Hang responded to reporters.

The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy to facilitate the entry, exit, and travel of foreigners, thereby contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.