>>E-visa policy boosts tourism
>>Hundreds of foreigners apply for e-visas
The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee has recently agreed to extend the period for a pilot program to issue electronic visas to foreigners for two more years, starting from February 1, 2019.
The pilot, a part of the Vietnamese Government’s reform efforts, is aimed to eliminate red-tape, attract foreign businesses and gives a boost to the country’s tourism sector.
 |
| Minister of Public Security To Lam presents the Government report on extending the pilot e-visa program for foreign visitors to Vietnam during a plenary session at the NA's ongoing sixth sitting in Hanoi on November 5__Photo: NDO |
In a report reviewing the implementation of the e-visa program presented to the National Assembly at its ongoing sixth session, Minister of Public Security-General To Lam revealed that the pilot, which begun in 2016, has now expanded to provide e-visas to citizens from 46 countries around the world. E-visas allow foreigners to enter the country through some 28 border gates.
The committee’s decision ensured the continuation for the program, which received much positive feedback from National Assembly deputies, and allows the country’s immigration agencies to analyze and study the pilot.
Deputy Dinh Sy Cong urged the ministry to set up communication channels with applicants as well as a system to allow them to rate the country’s visa service.
Deputy Luu Binh Nhuong asked the ministry to look into the increased number of foreign illegal workers in the country in recent years and the connection with possible loopholes within the program.- (VNS/VLLF)
