Việt Nam ‘opposed’ the false information that British travellers face passport seizures, exit bans

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s foreign ministry on Thursday said it “completely and firmly oppose the false information” that British travellers to Việt Nam face potential passport seizures and exit bans.

This caution is issued by the UK Foreign Office for the travel guidance to Việt Nam.

“Việt Nam consistent policy is to create favourable conditions for foreigners to enter, exit and reside in Việt Nam, so as to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development,” spokeswoman for the foreign ministry Phạm Thu Hằng told the press.

“Over the past years, competent Vietnamese authorities have taken numerous actions to facilitate the travelling of foreigners to Việt Nam to study, work, invest, explore the market, and for tourism purposes, in compliance with Vietnamese regulations and laws,” Hằng said.

The UK directive lists out a number of situations that could trigger an exit ban from Vietnamese authorities, which may be related to investigations into an individual, their family or an employer, criminal and civil matters, such as business disputes or motor vehicle accidents, employment without a work visa [or] unpaid financial debts. — VNS