Vietnam seems to be overhauling their immigration policies this week. In addition to yesterday’s news that foreigners working in Vietnam without a work permit will be deported, Tuoi Tre is reporting that foreigners planning to work in the country must secure a work permit prior to arrival.

The Bill on Entry, Exit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, was debated by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Tuesday.

Deputy Minister of Public Security, Bui Van Nam, said that the bill will create a legal framework for management and control over the entry, exit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam as there are several loopholes in the current regulations that require attention.

The largest loophole is that foreigners can apply for changes to their registered purpose of entry. As a result, many arrive in Vietnam under a tourist visa and overstay their visa to work. Nam specifically called out Chinese nationals working for Chinese contractors in Vietnam.

Nam said that the new bill addresses this issue by requiring that foreigners planning to work in Vietnam obtain a work permit from the State agency in charge of labor management before they enter the country.

There are a number of specific cases where foreigners may be allowed to make changes to their registered purposes on entry.

It will also extend the duration of temporary residence cards for foreigners in Vietnam, from three years to five years.

The bill is will be submitted to the 13th National Assembly during its 6th session.

[Tuoi Tre]