Over 180 Russians stranded in VN fly home

This is the second flight the Russian Government has arranged for its citizens stranded in Viet Nam.

As of April 17, nearly 3,230 foreign tourists had been staying in Viet Nam but only 11% of them wish to go home immediately.

After Viet Nam halted all international flights as a preventive measure to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, many countries have organized special flights to repatriate their citizens.

The Philippines repatriated 143 people last week.

Hundreds of Europeans including British, Germans and Italians were also sent home from Viet Nam.

Earlier, the Vietnamese Government asked relevant ministries to gather information about all foreigners stuck here, and work closely with the embassies and consulates to arrange their safe passage home.

Viet Nam decided to extend temporary residence permit for foreigners who are currently in the country and unable to leave because of travel restrictions or quarantine order related to COVID-19.

Foreign nationals entering Viet Nam visa-free or on tourist visas, including e-Visa, who had their duration of stay expired but unable to leave the country because of the pandemic can apply for an extension of temporary residence of up to 30 days. This policy is effective from March 30 to April 30./.

By Khanh Phuong