Ho Chi Minh City has so far discovered 114 people who illegally entered Vietnam, mostly coming from China, said Nguyen Thanh Phong, head of the municipal government.

Chinese people illegally entering Vietnam are found in HCM City
(Photo: police) 

Meeting with local voters on August 4, Phong said relevant agencies are gathering evidence to prosecute these clandestine entrants and those who have arranged such criminal acts.

“These people are first quarantined to prevent the possible spread of the deadly coronavirus, then we complete procedures to prosecute them,” Phong told the voters.

According to the official, the number of Chinese nationals illegally entering Vietnam has increased considerably in recent times thanks to the country’s COVID-19 control efforts as well as its policy of encouraging foreign specialists and highly skilled workers to return to work. In addition, HCM City is home to a large community of citizens of Chinese origin.

“Apparently illegal immigration adversely affects political security, as well as social order and safety, posing a high risk of a COVID-19 outbreak,” Phong said, assuring that “The city is strictly taking action to deal with these criminal acts.”

He also encouraged local residents to be highly vigilant and immediately inform relevant agencies of any suspects.  

Tran Duc Tai, deputy director of the HCM City Police Department, said that the police have discovered a 44-year-old man, a Chinese national of Fujian province, attempting to bring 20 Chinese people from Da Nang to HCM City. These 20 people have been quarantined and tested for COVID-19.

The police proposed the municipal People’s Inspectorate and People’s Court collect evidence and soon prosecute the case.