Numerous Vietnamese citizens are still stranded abroad due to the limited resumption of commercial flights, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. — VNA/VNS Photo Thu Hà

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has ordered assistance for Vietnamese nationals stranded overseas to return home right during the Lunar New Year holiday.

The direction came after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reported that numerous Vietnamese citizens are still stranded abroad due to the limited resumption of commercial flights.

According to the MoFA, there are approximately more than 600 Vietnamese nationals who are still unable to return from the Middle East and Africa, of which 200 are in Saudi Arabia, 150 in Angola, 85 in the United Arab Emirates, as well as those in other countries. 

The Prime Minister, therefore, has requested that the Ministry of Transport urgently grant permission for international airlines to conduct repatriation flights for these people.

He also ordered that a specific instruction be issued to ensure comprehensive implementation, and that ministries and departments closely coordinate to receive the repatriates.

Localities with new arrivals are also required to proactively apply safety measures to effectively control the pandemic.

The MoFA has directed diplomatic missions abroad to continue assisting and protecting the Vietnamese nationals in their areas, creating favourable conditions for them to return home for the Lunar New Year. — VNS