Nationals of eligible countries will be able to apply for a 30-day single-entry e-visa starting February 1. The Vietnamese government has announced a two-year pilot plan to launch an electronic visa system for foreign tourists visiting the country. Under a government directive released on Wednesday, citizens from 40 countries will be eligible to apply for the e-visas starting on February 1. Included on the list are China, Japan, South Korea, the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Sweden, all major target markets for Vietnam’s tourism sector. For the full list of eligible nationalities, click here. Applicants are required to complete a form available on two separate websites (one in Vietnamese and the other in English) run by the Ministry of Public Security. They will receive an application code and will be asked to pay a non-refundable fee online. It will take three working days for tourists to find out if their applications have been approved or not, according to the directive. … [Read more...] about Vietnam to launch e-visas for visitors from 40 countries
5 year vietnam visa exemption application form
Vietnam, Japan lift bilateral relations to new heights
Nhan Dan Online/VNA - During their talks in Tokyo on March 18, President Truong Tan Sang, currently on a state visit to Japan, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to establish an extensive strategic partnership between the two countries for peace and prosperity in Asia. Following is the full text of the statement on the establishment. 1) At the invitation of Japan, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Truong Tan Sang and Madam Mai Thi Hanh paid a State Visit to Japan from 16 to 19 March, 2014. During the visit, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan hosted a welcoming ceremony and a State Banquet in honour of the guests. President Truong Tan Sang expressed his sincere gratitude to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, the Government and the people of Japan for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and the Vietnamese delegation. 2) On 18 March 2014, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and President Truong Tan Sang held a summit meeting. … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Japan lift bilateral relations to new heights
The book “Achievements in Protecting and Promoting Human Rights in Vietnam”
Preface Chapter I: Vietnam's Viewpoints and Policies on Human Rights Chapter II: Vietnam's Achievements in the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights I. Civil and Political Rights 1. Rights to Vote and Stand for Election, and to Participate in the Administration of the State and Management of the Society 2. Freedoms of Speech and the Press, and the Right to Information 3. Freedom of Association and Assembly 4. Freedom of Religion and Belief 5. Ensuring Equal Rights among Ethnic Groups 6. Ensuring the Rights to Life, Physical Inviolability and Dignity 7. Freedom of Movement and Residence II. Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1. Rights to Economic Development and Improvement of the Material Life 2. Social Rights 3. Right to Healthcare III. Rights of Women, Children, Family, Elderly and Disabled People. 1. Women's Rights and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women 2. The Rights of the Child 3. Rights of Disabled People and Agent … [Read more...] about The book “Achievements in Protecting and Promoting Human Rights in Vietnam”
Collateral damage feared as Vietnam gov’t cracks down on illegal foreign workers
A new decree might be targeted at the construction sector, which many feel is overwhelmed by foreign workers, but everyone is set to feel the pinch Chinese workers at a construction site in Ho Chi Minh City. Experts say an amended government decree tightening the screws further on foreign workers could help authorities temporarily deal with the long-festering problem of unskilled foreign workers usurping locals' jobs. But they warn the new rules will also bring with them more formalities for parties to complete to obtain a work permit and in the long run could inflict collateral damage on those who are not targeted by the decree. Photo by Diep Duc Minh The government has tightened the screws further on foreign workers and people employing them by making it mandatory to get annual approval from local authorities. A decree to take effect on November 1 supplanting an earlier one will continue to make it incumbent on employers to prove that they require foreign workers and that … [Read more...] about Collateral damage feared as Vietnam gov’t cracks down on illegal foreign workers
BUSINESS IN BRIEF 4/2
Vinalines reports shock 2011 profits after huge first-half losses The Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) announced a pre-tax profit of VND62 billion (USD2.95 million) after total revenue of VND24.7 trillion (USD1.16 billion) in 2011. The figures have come as quite a surprise after it suffered losses of up to VND660 billion (USD31.4 million) in the first half of the year. The result rebuffs doubts that the firm will be unable to avoid losses after its 15-years of operations, particularly in the context of economic difficulties both inside and outside the country. Tran Thien, Director of the Bien Dong Marine Transport Company, an affiliate of Vinalines, said, "Marine transport firms have faced difficulties due to loan rates of 23-24% per annum. It costs VND30-40 billion (USD1.42-1.9 million) to invest in the construction of a 20,000-tonne ship." Vinalines' total transported cargo volume was estimated at 36.8 million tonnes in 2011, up just 1% compared to 2010 and just 2% … [Read more...] about BUSINESS IN BRIEF 4/2