Foreign Ministry supports Vietnamese citizens 'stranded' in Thailand, Singapore

On March 24, after receiving the information that around 100 Vietnamese citizens returning Viet Nam being stranded at international airports in Thailand and Singapore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directed Viet Nam representative offices in these two countries to urgently contact with those Vietnamese citizens to seek further information. 

They were also asked to discuss with local agencies and airlines to select suitable flights to bring these Vietnamese citizens home. 

Amid complex developments of COVID-19, many countries and territories have limited or closed international air routes, not allowing transit while foreign airlines have refused receiving passengers and changed regulations on goods transport. 

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Vietnamese citizens abroad to refrain from travels between countries and to Viet Nam at the current time, amid the complicated developments of COVID-19.

They were required to follow guidance and update regulations in the host countries and airlines, ensuring enough documentation to take flights, especially medical certificates if needed.

In case of needing help, citizens could visit official websites of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, or citizen protection hotline of the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department 84.981.84.84.84.

The same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand assisted 16 Vietnamese citizens to return home as all airlines are cancelling commercial flights from Bangkok to Viet Nam.

Earlier on March 20, the embassy also joined hands with the national flag carrier Viet Nam Airlines and Thai Airways to bring nearly 30 other Vietnamese citizens, mostly from Europe, back to their home country.

By Thuy Dung