Ministry cracks down on foreigners living in social housing apartments

By Ngoc Diem September 30, 2024 | 12:35 am PT

Evergreen social housing complex in northern Bac Giang Province. Photo courtesy of Bac Giang People's Committee

The Ministry of Construction has ordered two northern provinces to investigate reports of foreigners renting social housing apartments, which are meant for low-income Vietnamese.

Local residents and the media have reported the presence of foreigners in social housing buildings in Bac Giang and Bac Ninh, provinces known for their industrial parks, the ministry said in a recent statement.

The ministry instructed the local authorities to address the issue and submit a report by Oct. 3.

In response, Bac Giang authorities have started collaborating with social housing developers, including the Chinese-invested company Fugiang and a joint venture between Vietnamese companies Fuji and Vinaco, to look into the matter.

Social housing is intended for low-income families, industrial park workers, and national defense officials, and foreigners are not allowed to live in such apartments.

The Ministry of Construction also requires localities to submit an annual list of social housing residents to prevent misuse of housing policies.

In Bac Ninh, there are 31 social housing projects with 22,000 apartments either completed or are being developed.

Bac Giang has developed 15 projects with 75,000 apartments to meet 90% of workers’ demand.

The government targets to have 428,000 apartments completed by 2025 amid rising property prices and declining affordable supply.