The scene of the tragedy in which 39 people are found dead in a container at Waterglade industrial park in Essex county of the UK on October 23, 2019. (Photo: AP/VNA)

The move was made after some families in the two provinces reported that they had lost contact of their relatives who are working abroad, fearing that the relatives may be related to the tragedy in which 39 people were found dead in a container at Waterglade industral park in Essex county of the UK last Wednesday. The ministry is also investigating to confirm if there is any individual or organization illegally taking Vietnamese citizens abroad.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc ordered an investigation of Vietnamese citizens illegally sent overseas and strict punishment of violations.

Prime Minister Phuc tasked the Foreign Ministry with directing the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK to work with local agencies in identifying the victims and carrying out citizen protection measures if needed.

He required reports on the case from authorities to be submitted to him by next Tuesday.