(VOVWORLD) - Since Da Nang and Quang Ngai provinces reported new cases of COVID-19 infections in the community, the Vietnamese government has strengthened measures to fight the pandemic. Vietnam has tightened entry and exit management and announced heavy punishments for people who illegally enter Vietnam.
 Disinfecting the house of a COVID-19 patient in Da Nang (photo VNA) |
The Prime Minister has asked the Ministries of Defense, Public Security, and Foreign Affairs to strictly control people entering Vietnam. The Ministry of Public Security and the People’s Committees of cities and provinces are investigating illegal entries and imposing punishments according to regulations.
Organizations and businesses that have invited experts, investors, and workers to Vietnam must follow pandemic prevention and control regulations. The Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Public Security, and the procuracy and court sector to investigate and prosecute illegal entities to Vietnam.
Quang Ninh province, which has a long border with China, has tightened the management of waterways and roads. Dang Huy Hau, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee, says: “Quang Ninh province has directed the border guard, police, and customs to tighten control of the border to prevent illegal entries. Tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, and other accommodation services should be closely monitored to detect people coming from China. We’re determined to control the situation.”
The Criminal Code specifies that organizing or brokering illegal exits, entries, and stays in Vietnam carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years’ imprisonment plus 5 to 10 years extra with aggravating circumstances.
Lawyer Hoang Van Huong of the Hanoi Bar Association said: “Illegal exit and entry must be prosecuted either with criminal charges or with administrative fines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequences of illegal exit and entry could be lethal.”
Vietnam has notified the public, particularly those living in border areas, that illegal exit and entry are serious crimes with potentially serious consequences.