At a press conference on the afternoon of November 21, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang denied information that Vietnam is increasing control and tightening visas for foreigners.
"The information that Vietnam is increasing control and tightening visa policies for foreigners is completely unfounded," said Ms. Pham Thu Hang.
Ms. Pham Thu Hang also emphasized that Vietnam's consistent policy is to always facilitate foreigners' entry, exit, and stay in Vietnam, thereby contributing to Vietnam's socio-economic development.
On August 15, 2023, the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam came into effect. This law has many contents that create more favorable conditions for foreigners to come to Vietnam for the purpose of studying, working, investing, researching the market, etc. in accordance with the provisions of Vietnamese law.
Also at the press conference on the afternoon of November 21, Ms. Pham Thu Hang answered questions from the press regarding Vietnam's response to the Philippine President signing the Law on Maritime Zones, the Law on Maritime Streams of the Philippine Archipelagic Waters, and China's announcement of the standard names of part of China's islands and reefs in the South China Sea, including 64 entities in the East Sea.
Ms. Pham Thu Hang emphasized: As has been affirmed many times, Vietnam has sufficient legal basis and historical evidence to affirm Vietnam's sovereignty over Hoang Sa archipelago and Truong Sa archipelago in accordance with international law, as well as sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the sea areas established in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
"Vietnam respects the rights of coastal states to promulgate domestic laws and regulations related to the sea in accordance with UNCLOS 1982. At the same time, Vietnam also requests that other countries fully respect Vietnam's sovereignty over Truong Sa archipelago and Vietnam's rights over Vietnam's maritime zones established in accordance with UNCLOS 1982," Ms. Pham Thu Hang emphasized.
The spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Vietnam is determined and persistent in implementing measures in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982, to exercise its sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago; its sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and legitimate interests in its maritime zones. Vietnam is ready to work with all parties to resolve disputes and disagreements by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.
