Vietnam suggests relaxing citizenship requirements for overseas Vietnamese and foreign specialists.
A Shakeup in Vietnam's Citizenship Law: Simplifying the Acquisition and Reinstatement Process
Photos: VNA/VNS 📸
Hoi An - The heat was on at the National Assembly as they delved into the proposed reforms to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality on a scorching Saturday. These amendments, debated during the ninth session of the 15th National Assembly, focus on providing a smoother path for overseas Vietnamese, foreign professionals, and investors to claim or reclaim their Vietnamese citizenship.
In the heart of the discussion lay the draft revisions, which aim to soften strings attached to those hailing from Vietnamese roots, as well as lure in foreign investors, scientists, and experts. The changes also tackle simplifying procedures for individuals who had given up their Vietnamese citizenship and wish to reclaim it.
Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh stated that the proposed amendments lined up with Vietnam's long-standing policies regarding overseas Vietnamese, as spelled out in various Party directives and resolutions.
Breaking it down for you, the draft law centres on two main areas: relaxing naturalisation criteria and streamlining the process for reclaiming Vietnamese nationality. Check out the deets:
- Eased Naturalization Criteria:
- The draft law aims to abolish requirements for individuals with exceptional talents, such as investors, scientists, and experts, to prove their Vietnamese language proficiency, residency, and financial independence[1][2]. Furthermore, foreign nationals with professional expertise or investment interests would stand a chance for naturalisation under the revised criteria[3].
- Dual Citizenship:
- The proposed amendments will allow foreign applicants with ties to Vietnamese relatives to maintain their original nationality if it doesn't jeopardize Vietnam's interests[1][3]. However, individuals with dual citizenship must forgo their other nationality if they participate in political bodies or militarily serve Vietnam[4].
- Simplified Procedures for Overseas Vietnamese:
- Minors applying for Vietnamese citizenship through a Vietnamese parent will face fewer hurdles, as the requirement for full civil act capacity will be abolished[3].
- Individuals with a biological parent or grandparent holding Vietnamese citizenship will find the application process less cumbersome[3].
- Reinstatement of Citizenship:
- Any individual who has previously renounced Vietnamese nationality will be able to apply for reinstatement, doing away with the existing restrictive conditions[2][3][4].
The changes are geared towards supporting overseas Vietnamese communities, spurring investment, and contributing to national development[1][2]. However, some lawmakers expressed concerns about clarifying terms like "ensuring a stable life in Vietnam" and the stipulation around continuous residency[5].
The National Assembly continues to mull over feedback and look forward to finalizing the amended law[5]. Stay tuned for more updates on this matter!
The National Assembly's group discussion on the proposed changes to Việt Nam's nationality law. - VNA/VNS Photo
[1] Enrichment Data: These changes aim to support the overseas Vietnamese community, encourage foreign investment, and contribute to national development.[2] Enrichment Data: Any individual who has renounced Vietnamese nationality can apply for reinstatement, without facing restrictive conditions.[3] Enrichment Data: Minors with a Vietnamese parent or grandparent can more easily obtain nationality, while individuals with a biological parent or grandparent holding Vietnamese citizenship will find the application process less complicated.[4] Enrichment Data: Individuals with dual nationality must give up their other nationality if they participate in political bodies or perform military duties in Vietnam.[5] Enrichment Data: Certain lawmakers have called for clarification on terms like "ensuring a stable life in Vietnam" and the requirement for continuous residency.
- The proposed amendments to Vietnam's citizenship law aim to align with the country's long-standing policies, as outlined in Party directives and resolutions, encompassing areas such as politics, finance, and business.
- In the revised law, foreign professionals, investors, and individuals with exceptional talents no longer need to prove their residency, Vietnamese language proficiency, or financial independence for naturalization.
- The general news highlights the changes in the law that permit foreign applicants with Vietnamese relatives to maintain their original citizenship while claiming Vietnamese nationality, provided it doesn't breach Vietnam's interests.
- Individuals who have previously given up their Vietnamese citizenship now have an accessible path to reclaim it, as the restrictive conditions for reinstatement have been eliminated.
