Korean businesses and HCM City authorities at the event. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — Measures to remove obstacles in procedures in applying for work permits and visas for foreign labourers, especially those from the Republic of Korea (RoK), were discussed at an event in HCM City on Thursday. 

Cao Thị Phi Vân, Vice Director of the HCM City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), said that since Việt Nam and the RoK set up diplomatic relations in 1992, their partnership has grown fast and strong, especially in investment and trade.

She noted that RoK’s investment in HCM City has risen impressively recently despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of October 2022, the RoK had been the largest investor in the city with 2,027 projects worth over US$5.4 billion, accounting for 9.81 per cent of the total FDI amount.

She noted that the local administration has provided great support to foreign enterprises while improving its business environment to attract more investors.

Han Jae-jin, Vice President of the Korea Chamber of Business and Industry in the South & Middle of Việt Nam (KOCHAM), highly valued the local administration’s efforts and its willingness to listen to and support businesses in dealing with their difficulties.

At the meeting, Korean firms suggested that immigration management agencies of Việt Nam allow them to use visa application service or designate reputable service companies to carry out the application process.

Nguyễn Phan Hoà, deputy head of the Foreigner Management Division at the Vietnam Immigration Department in HCM City, said that the Immigration Law of Vietnam stipulates that guaranteeing agencies, organisations and individuals must directly submit dossiers at the Immigration Department. If there are difficulties in preparing documents, businesses can contact consulting services for assistance, he said.

Hoà also answered questions on what cases dossiers must be submitted at the Immigration Division and what case at the Immigration Department, the extension of visas for processing work permit application.

Nguyễn Văn Lâm, Vice Director of the HCM City Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said that the department is preparing to provide level-4 online public services, allowing the issuance of work permits online, which means people can submit their dossiers and receive response at home.

This will help limit problems arising during direct contact and enhancing transparency during the process, thus creating favourable conditions for businesses and investors to invest in the city, he said. — VNS