(VOVworld) – The government has submitted to the National Assembly a draft decree on granting electronic visas to foreigners. If approved, it will be carried out for 2 years starting January 1, 2017. After the pilot period, the government will send a summary to the National Assembly for revising the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

Under the draft decree, all visa application procedures will be conducted online. E-visas will be valid for 30 days. Minister of Public Security To Lam said the pilot program will benefit both the immigration management agency and foreign visitors.
Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on National Defense and Security Vo Trong Viet said: “The pilot program will serve political, legal, and external relations purposes and directly benefit the economy, particularly during global integration. It will ensure transparency, publicity, and convenience, simplify administrative procedures, and promote tourism.”

Some National Assembly deputies suggested the pilot program be applied only to citizens of countries with similar regulations to Vietnam. Minister To Lam said: “Since 2014 about 37% of visitors come to Vietnam under a visa-free policy but security has been well maintained. Electronic visa issuance will help the Ministry of Public Security verify personal information of foreigners before issuing visas.”

Nguyen Phuoc Loc, a National Assembly deputy of Ho Chi Minh City, said: “The draft decree is in accordance with the 2015 Law on Electronic Transactions and government resolution 36 on building an e-government and administrative reform. The draft decree should align with international treaties Vietnam has signed.”