Việt Nam makes strides in immigration services

An official of the Immigration Department of Quảng Bình Province assists people in filling out online forms on the public service portal. — VNA/VNS Photo Tá Chuyên

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is making significant strides in digitalising its immigration processes with 99 per cent of documents for foreign entrants handled electronically, as reported by the Immigration Department.

Recent revisions to certain migration, transit and residence laws play a crucial role. These changes have strengthened the legal framework for migration, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.

One notable change is the extension of e-visa validity from 30 to 90 days, allowing for longer stays for tourists and business travelers. Additionally, multiple-entry e-visas are now available, offering greater flexibility for frequent visitors.

Lawmakers have also broadened the list of countries eligible for e-visas. The move aims to boost tourism, attract investment and simplify entry procedures.

Đặng Tuấn Việt, Deputy Director of the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security, praised the strides in Việt Nam’s e-visa processes, noting that they can now be completed online without intermediaries, significantly reducing processing times.

He also shared that the department had expanded its online offerings to enhance its digital services, with forty immigration-related services now accessible online.

The department has also overhauled internal procedures and invested in advanced IT systems to safeguard data and ensure smooth operations.

“The days of long lines and paperwork at immigration offices are over,” said Việt. “Citizens can now easily submit documents, track their progress, and receive updates without leaving home.”

However, the transition to online services has not been without hurdles. Many people still prefer to handle paperwork in person, while others worry about online security. Additionally, technical issues, such as system glitches and data-sharing limitations, have added time to the processes.

Việt outlined the department’s plans to address the challenges, which involve upgrading IT systems, improving software integration, and expanding online services.

It will also work closely with other Government agencies to streamline processes and ensure a smooth user experience. On top of that, it will provide training to local police units to boost online service coverage.

By reducing fees for online services, the department aims to incentivise citizens and businesses to adopt the new digital systems.

Việt Nam welcomed approximately 8.9 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2024, up about 60 per cent year-by-year. The department processed visa applications for 1.7 million foreigners, issuing nearly 1.5 million e-visas.

Meanwhile, more than 5.7 million Vietnamese citizens traveled abroad during period, up around 40 per cent year-by-year. The department issued 1.3 million passports, with 97 per cent of applications submitted online. — VNS