Vietnamese citizens urged to evacuate areas with complicated situations

Deputy spokesperson of the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Doan Khac Viet said at a press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday that Vietnamese citizens in the Middle East remain safe and stable, adding that the ministry on Aug. 5 issued an urgent warning to its citizens in the region, particularly in Lebanon, strongly encouraging them to relocate themselves and their assets to a third country or return to Vietnam. They are also urged to follow regulations and guidelines on security and safety measures issued by local authorities.

In light of the deteriorating security situation, the ministry also advised against non-essential travel to Israel, Iran and Lebanon.

Regarding Bangladesh, Viet said the ministry had issued a travel warning on Aug. 7, asking Vietnamese citizens not to travel to the country at the moment. Those already in Bangladesh were advised to exercise heightened vigilance, protect themselves and their families and steer clear of crowded areas where protests may occur.

The ministry also extended a travel warning for regions in Myanmar experiencing complex developments, such as Shan and Kayin states. Citizens should avoid these areas unless absolutely necessary and make evacuation plans if already present.

Following the ministry’s instruction, Vietnamese embassies in the Middle East, Bangladesh, and Myanmar requested that local authorities ensure maximum safety for Vietnamese citizens.

The Vietnamese representative offices were urged to proactively build and launch citizen protection plans if needed, maintain close communication, enhance information dissemination, and assist citizens in moving to safe areas.

“We strongly urge our citizens in these countries to stay updated on and responsive to information and advice from local authorities and warnings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as Vietnamese representative agencies there,” Viet said.

In case of emergencies, Vietnamese citizens are advised contact the citizen protection hotlines of the Vietnamese representative offices in the respective countries or the Consular Department’s citizen protection hotline at +84 981 84 84 84.