Important Updates
Important Updates
October 30, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Consultation Open Regarding Right to Work Scheme Extension to Gig Workers
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 30, 2025 | PanamaPanama: Government Reporting Requirement Enforced; Strict Penalties May Apply
October 30, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Consultation Open Regarding Right to Work Scheme Extension to Gig Workers
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 30, 2025 | PanamaPanama: Government Reporting Requirement Enforced; Strict Penalties May Apply
October 30, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Consultation Open Regarding Right to Work Scheme Extension to Gig Workers
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Bubbling to the Surface: Vietnam’s Cautious (but Optimistic) Approach to Reopening

June 11, 2020

vietnam-hero

Countries / Territories

  • SingaporeSingapore
  • VietnamVietnam

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image Fragomen [Singapore][Partner][KennethLau]

Kenneth Lau

Partner

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 5168

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image Fragomen [Singapore][Partner][KennethLau]

Kenneth Lau

Partner

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 5168

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image Fragomen [Singapore][Partner][KennethLau]

Kenneth Lau

Partner

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 5168

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Kenneth Lau, Laurent Quistrebert, Resident Vietnam

Despite its proximity to China, Southeast Asia has largely avoided being significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and Vietnam, in particular, has emerged as one of the countries in the region that has been successful with respect to minimizing the spread of the disease. Indeed, it has now been more than one and a half months since the country ended its Social Distancing Order on April 23—a mere three weeks after the order was implemented in the country on April 1 to contain the spread of the virus. This order came at a time when many of Vietnam’s neighbours were deep into their own lockdowns or were contemplating extending them.  

While the Social Distancing Order has been lifted, there has not yet been a corresponding push to reopen the borders, even though domestic travel has recently increased. Entry bans that were put in place at the outset of the crisis remain in place and look to be for the foreseeable future.  However, despite these obstacles, there have been discussions about creating “travel bubbles” with other countries in the region which have also seen success in fighting the pandemic, including Australia and New Zealand.  A travel bubble represents an agreement between a set of countries, usually on a bilateral basis, which allows travel between the two countries where the virus has been seemingly contained.  Those travellers who are eligible to avail of the travel bubble may be exempted from the onerous quarantine requirements.)  Given the importance of China and South Korea to Vietnam in terms of foreign investment, there are also discussions taking place regarding a travel bubble to be opened with those countries as well.  

It is important to note that from a practical perspective, Vietnam is acutely aware of the capacity of its hospitals and available medical equipment, and will likely take no risks in allowing an upsurge of new cases to occur in an effort to protect its population.  On the other hand, other countries may have a higher risk tolerance than Vietnam, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds in their negotiations regarding travel bubbles with other countries. 

Many important questions will remain that will have to be answered by counterpart countries, including:

  • Would the travel bubble eliminate the strict quarantine requirements that are currently in place for those who enter the country?  With quarantine requirements in some form likely to remain in place in Vietnam, it is unlikely that tourists and, especially, business travellers, would be interested in coming to the country, thus making it difficult for airlines to restart regular commercial flights. 
  • Even without a quarantine requirement, will there be additional and intrusive medical examination requirements both before boarding the plane to come to Vietnam, and then again upon entry? 
  • Will the reciprocity principle apply for each country that is a party to the travel bubble?

 

As Vietnam has been seen to be leading the way in Southeast Asia—and as the only country within the region with an economy predicted to grow, albeit moderately, in 2020—how these issues play out in Vietnam is likely to inform and guide the rest of the region.  What we have seen so far is that even with travel bans currently in place, Vietnam has already begun implementing a scheme to allow some foreign investors, business managers, experts and skilled workers to enter the country. This process currently requires the local entity in Vietnam to submit a request to the provincial Labour Department office, detailing those specific foreign nationals it wishes to bring in.  

The relevant provincial People’s Committee will then need to grant the final approval and coordinate the visa approval, flight logistics, airport transfer requirements and quarantine accommodations with the relevant authorities.  

How this potential workaround plays out in Vietnam (and how the government can shepherd this across the various government agencies and bureaucracies) could be a model for the region.

This is the first article of the COVID-19 series produced by the Fragomen Asia Pacific Coordination Centre (APCC) team. Please stay tuned, as we will be sharing insights on Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Philippines. 

If you have questions regarding the matters described in this blog, please do not hesitate to contact your Fragomen immigration professional, or Kenneth Lau at [email protected].

This blog was released on 11 June 2020 and, due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our  COVID-19 microsite and subscribe to our alerts. You may also follow our LinkedIn account

Countries / Territories

  • SingaporeSingapore
  • VietnamVietnam

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image Fragomen [Singapore][Partner][KennethLau]

Kenneth Lau

Partner

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 5168

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image Fragomen [Singapore][Partner][KennethLau]

Kenneth Lau

Partner

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 5168

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image Fragomen [Singapore][Partner][KennethLau]

Kenneth Lau

Partner

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 5168

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.