New policies take effect in October
VGP - Regulations on the combat of terrorism, the handling of illegal overseas workers and tougher punishments on industrial property infringements will come into force in October 2013.
Combating terrorism
The Law on Anti-terrorism, which takes effect from October 1, 2013, stipulates principles, policies, anti-terrorism measures, international cooperation and responsibilities of agencies, organizations and individuals in the field.
Under the Law, the Anti-terrorism Steering Committee will be set up at national, ministerial and provincial levels.
The law makes clear the acts of terrorism such as infringing upon the life, health, freedom or property of another person; destroying public facilities or premises of national security; and posing a threat to public order, human life, assets, mental conditions of cadres, citizens, foreign interests in Viet Nam.
Handling illegal overseas workers
Under Decree 95/2013/ND-CP, Vietnamese guest workers face fines up to VND 100 million (US$4,800) when they illegally stay in the host country after their labor contracts or visas expire and in some other cases.
Vietnamese guest workers who fail to register individual contracts with competent authorities shall be subject to fine that is between VND 2 million and VND5 million (US$240).
Tougher fines, from VND80 million to VND100 million ($4,800) will be imposed on violations committed by Vietnamese guest workers such as illegally staying in the host country after their labor contracts or visas expire; illegally leaving the contractual workplace; failing to go to the contractual workplace after being admitted by the host country; and enticing, forcing, deceiving other Vietnamese workers into staying in the host country illegally.
The move aims to reduce the number of runaway Vietnamese workers who overstayed their visas to work illegally in foreign countries.
Industrial property infringements
Under Decree 99/2013/ND-CP which comes into force on October 1, 2013, individual infringers of industrial property is subjected to a maximum fine of VND 500 million (US$ 23,80).
The decree comes as the result of the enactment of the 2012 Law on Handling Administrative Violations, which aims to guide the implementation of the law in the field of industrial property rights./.
By Huong Giang
