Hà Nội Police support students from Hà Nội University of Science and Technology to activate e-ID accounts. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI —The draft Law on Citizenship Identity (amended) has proposed stateless people of Vietnamese origin who live in the country should be granted citizenship ID cards to access basic rights.

A report from the Ministry of Public Security showed that there are currently over 31,000 individuals of Vietnamese origin whose nationality has not been determined.

This has posed many challenges in the management of citizens, especially in ensuring security and order.

The law is still being consulted for amendments.

According to drafting agencies, the proposal to change the name of the Law on Citizenship Identity to the Identity Card Law does not affect the sovereignty of the nation, issues related to nationality, or the legal status of citizens. The content of the Identity Card Law already specifies the differentiation in issuing identification cards for Vietnamese citizens and those who do not have full rights of Vietnamese citizens.

Commenting on the draft law, Minister of Public Security Tô Lâm said that the Law on Identity Cards would help ensure that "no one is left behind."

Millions of people do not have any personal identification documents, most of them are vulnerable people. Even in Hà Nội and HCM City, there are hundreds of thousands of people, most of whom are vulnerable, without household registration, birth certificates and other proper documents. It would be very challenging to integrate them into society and provide support and assistance if they are not given ID card, the minister said.

Regarding the issuance of personal ID cards to people of Vietnamese origin residing in Việt Nam but without citizenship, Minister Lâm emphasised that they must be recognised by society and have the right to participate in social transactions.

Many National Assembly delegates have agreed with changing the name of the Law on Citizenship Identity to the Identity Card Law and including people of Vietnamese origin in the scope of the law to ensure the realisation of human rights and citizenship rights, especially the protection of rights related to civil and administrative transactions and property protection.

Chairwoman of the National Assembly's Committee for Social Affairs Nguyễn Thúy Anh said according to reports from the National Defence and Security Committee, this is a long-standing historical issue with various reasons, including wars and migration. People of Vietnamese origin are an integral part of the nation and need to be recognised by the State and society.

Most of these people are vulnerable and can easily be disadvantaged in society, so they need attention and protection. Therefore, granting ID cards to people of Vietnamese origin is necessary and contributes to maintaining social order and enhancing the effectiveness of State management.

"Without identity card, these people will not be entitled to social welfare benefits, leading to many social problems and burdens," said Nguyễn Thị Việt Nga, the NA deputy in northern Hải Dương Province.

There is another opinion suggesting that the law should retain the original name because this name has been stable and has helped maintain the stability of current legal regulations, various types of documents, administrative procedures, and civil procedures. Also, according to this opinion, the provisions regarding the management and issuance of identity cards for people of Vietnamese origin is necessary. However, this group accounts for a very small percentage (around over 31,000 people) and is not the primary target group under the law.

Many delegates also supported changing the name of the citizenship identity card to the identity card.

Changing the name of the card ensures similarity with international practices since many countries now use the term "Identity Card," according to Dr. Chu Mạnh Hùng, Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the Council of Hà Nội Law University.

It also ensures universality, paving the way for international integration and the recognition of identity documents among countries in the region and around the world. This reduces the need for amendments and supplements to the law when Việt Nam enters into agreements with other countries to use identity cards instead of passports for travel between nations, such as intra-ASEAN travel.

At the 25th session, the National Assembly Standing Committee agreed that it is necessary to issue cards to people of Vietnamese origin who have not yet determined their nationality. Furthermore, there is a need to clarify the conditions and the concept of people of Vietnamese origin.

The National Assembly Standing Committee proposed that the drafting agencies conduct suitable research and present this to the Government. — VNS