Nha Trang beach, Khánh Hoà Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

KHÁNH HOÀ — Authorities in the south-central coastal province of Khánh Hoà – known for the beach town Nha Trang – have introduced a new policy to assist foreigners who encounter financial difficulties while staying here, including support for food, accommodation, healthcare and repatriation procedures.

In a document issued on February 4, the provincial People’s Committee called on local agencies to strengthen coordination in managing and handling consular-related cases involving foreign nationals.

Under the directive, the provincial police have been tasked with intensifying inspections and tightening oversight of foreigners’ entry, exit and residence, particularly in cases involving violations of immigration and residency regulations.

The move aims to detect and deal promptly with “abnormal” cases in accordance with Vietnamese law and international practices, while strictly handling organisations and individuals found in violation.

Provincial police are also required to develop a standardised process for receiving, verifying and handling reports of violations, as well as completing procedures to deport foreigners who breach the law.

The use of funding for administrative violation handling in the immigration sector must comply with regulations and cover costs related to enforcement activities, including expenses incurred during the deportation of foreigners who violate Vietnamese law.

In addition, police units at all levels have been instructed to step up inspections of accommodation establishments, tourist apartments and residential areas to ensure compliance with temporary residence declaration requirements, and to promptly detect and handle violations involving foreign nationals.

The Department of Health has been tasked with directing medical facilities and relevant centres to provide temporary reception, treatment, care and support for foreigners in difficult circumstances who are unable to pay medical bills and related expenses while awaiting verification and repatriation procedures.

Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Finance has been asked to review and allocate funding to support these cases, including costs for medical treatment, care and temporary accommodation during the period required to complete verification and return procedures.

According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Khánh Hòa welcomed 16.4 million visitors in 2025, up nearly 14.4 per cent from 2024. Of these, international arrivals reached 5.5 million.

The province aims to receive 18.8 million visitors in 2026, including about 6.3 million foreign tourists.

Alongside new cultural products, new tours (including new cruise journeys exploring the Nha Trang Bay), Khánh Hoà has been stepping up promotion and marketing efforts in key markets such as China, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Kazakhstan, while also expanding into potential markets including Australia and Japan.— VNS