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Many overseas Vietnamese have expressed concerns about the complexity and lack of clarity in the process of obtaining Vietnamese citizenship, particularly regarding investment rights for dual citizens.
During a meeting with 50 overseas Vietnamese delegates on the morning of January 7, many participants proposed removing barriers related to holding dual citizenship. This annual event in Ho Chi Minh City takes place ahead of the Lunar New Year.
Mr. Trần Bá Phúc, Chairman of the Vietnamese Business Association in Australia, shared that despite living abroad for 43 years, he takes pride in being Vietnamese and always uses his Vietnamese citizenship when leaving Australia. However, he observed that the number of overseas Vietnamese holding Vietnamese citizenship remains very low.
Mr. Phúc noted that many overseas Vietnamese wish to obtain Vietnamese citizenship to return to their homeland but face prolonged waiting times to complete the procedures. He suggested that Ho Chi Minh City propose to the Government to streamline the process of issuing citizenship and passports for overseas Vietnamese, making the procedures more efficient.
Dr. Nguyễn Trí Dũng, an overseas Vietnamese in Japan, shared that despite being granted Vietnamese citizenship, he still encountered challenges when handling family relationship verification for his two daughters. He explained that the relevant authorities repeatedly transferred his case from the Embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee without providing a clear solution. He recommended that the city propose to the central government to delegate clearer authority to resolve issues related to overseas Vietnamese.
Entrepreneur Johnathan Hạnh Nguyễn, Chairman of Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPP), shared the difficulties he faced when investing in Vietnam despite holding dual citizenship in Vietnam and the United States. He emphasized that while the 2020 Investment Law allows dual citizens to invest in all industries, he still encountered obstacles when attempting to invest in the aviation sector.
Mr. Johnathan Hạnh Nguyễn proposed that Ho Chi Minh City recommend the central government clarify regulations concerning investment by dual-citizenship overseas Vietnamese, to create more favorable conditions for those wishing to return and invest.
Overseas Vietnamese from countries such as Australia, Japan, Singapore, the United States, and the Netherlands expressed their desire to act as a bridge between Ho Chi Minh City and the countries where they reside, fostering cooperation in areas like information technology, agriculture, and biotechnology. Dr. Nguyễn Trí Dũng also suggested organizing regular meetings with overseas Vietnamese to exchange ideas and contribute to national development.
Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Võ Văn Hoan stated that all feedback and proposals would be compiled and reported to the central government, particularly regarding issues related to nationality, legal matters, and investment activities of overseas Vietnamese.
Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyễn Văn Hiếu highlighted the city’s strong economic recovery over the past year, with GRDP growing by 9.03% year-on-year. He acknowledged the significant contributions of overseas Vietnamese, with remittances to the city reaching $6.8 billion.
According to the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, approximately 5.3 million Vietnamese are living and working in 130 countries and territories. In 2021, Vietnam ranked among the top 10 countries receiving the most remittances globally, with a total of over $18 billion, 53% of which was directed to Ho Chi Minh City. The role of the overseas Vietnamese community in national development is becoming increasingly important.
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