Vietnam: Local Authorities to Now Handle Hanoi-related Immigration Processes
January 26, 2026
The Hanoi Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) has transferred the responsibility of processing steps related to foreign employees working in Hanoi (outside industrial zones and hi-tech parks) to the People’s Committees at the commune/ward level in Hanoi. This includes issuance, re-issuance, extensions and revocations of work permits and work-permit exemption certificates, and receiving employer notifications. Applications will still need to be filed at the one-stop service counter. DOHA will still provide guidance and training to the local authorities and will be responsible for escalated cases.
As a result of this transfer of authority, applicants and their employees can expect more variation in interpretation of legal rules, the need for more follow ups with local authorities (especially during the implementation period when practices are still being standardized) and potential processing delays during the transition period. The online application system will need to be adjusted to reflect the transfer in authority, which may potentially cause temporary disruptions.
As a result, applicants may need to factor in longer lead times for work permit-related procedures during this transition.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Fragomen on immigration
Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes how post‑midterm US business immigration will shift toward heightened enforcement, worker‑protection scrutiny and cross‑agency oversight, urging employers to align hiring practices, sponsorship decisions and documentation with consistent, defensible workforce strategies.
Media mentions
Awards
Fragomen is named “Law Firm of the Year” for Immigration Law by Best Law Firms™ - Australia and receives National and Regional Tier 1 rankings in Immigration Law.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses the broad application of a USCIS memo to adjustment of status applicants and notes that H- and L-visa holders may have a somewhat easier burden in demonstrating factors that support favorable discretion.
Article
Senior Manager Alice Spaull and Associate Stephanie Fitton examine the evolving UK immigration and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for athletes, their support teams and associated guests attending the Commonwealth Games 2026, highlighting key compliance risks and the importance of early travel planning.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses a recent USCIS memo that appears to signal greater caution in how adjudicators assess adjustment of status cases rather than establishing a new legal standard.
Fragomen news
Video
Senior Manager Sumejja Handzo outlines Germany’s health insurance requirements for visas and residence permits, including coverage options, documentation considerations and key compliance requirements for foreign nationals relocating to Germany.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Schwarz highlights how US visa appointment backlogs and limited availability for B visas are shaping international travel planning for the upcoming World Cup.
Article
Knowledge Management Manager Annabelle Duchêne explores how Europe’s prolonged reliance on Temporary Protection Status has created legal and workforce uncertainty and why clear, structured exit pathways are now essential for employers and displaced individuals alike.
Article
Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how Saudi Arabia’s evolving Premium Residency framework and newly expanded foreign property ownership rules are reshaping the Kingdom’s appeal for internationally mobile professionals, global employers and institutional investors.
Fragomen on immigration
Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes how post‑midterm US business immigration will shift toward heightened enforcement, worker‑protection scrutiny and cross‑agency oversight, urging employers to align hiring practices, sponsorship decisions and documentation with consistent, defensible workforce strategies.
Media mentions
Awards
Fragomen is named “Law Firm of the Year” for Immigration Law by Best Law Firms™ - Australia and receives National and Regional Tier 1 rankings in Immigration Law.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses the broad application of a USCIS memo to adjustment of status applicants and notes that H- and L-visa holders may have a somewhat easier burden in demonstrating factors that support favorable discretion.
Article
Senior Manager Alice Spaull and Associate Stephanie Fitton examine the evolving UK immigration and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for athletes, their support teams and associated guests attending the Commonwealth Games 2026, highlighting key compliance risks and the importance of early travel planning.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses a recent USCIS memo that appears to signal greater caution in how adjudicators assess adjustment of status cases rather than establishing a new legal standard.
Fragomen news
Video
Senior Manager Sumejja Handzo outlines Germany’s health insurance requirements for visas and residence permits, including coverage options, documentation considerations and key compliance requirements for foreign nationals relocating to Germany.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Schwarz highlights how US visa appointment backlogs and limited availability for B visas are shaping international travel planning for the upcoming World Cup.
Article
Knowledge Management Manager Annabelle Duchêne explores how Europe’s prolonged reliance on Temporary Protection Status has created legal and workforce uncertainty and why clear, structured exit pathways are now essential for employers and displaced individuals alike.
Article
Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how Saudi Arabia’s evolving Premium Residency framework and newly expanded foreign property ownership rules are reshaping the Kingdom’s appeal for internationally mobile professionals, global employers and institutional investors.
