Foreigners failing to declare temporary residence could be deported

The Immigration Department under the HCMC Police said foreigners temporarily residing in Vietnam must have the person directly managing and administering their accommodation establishment declare their temporary residence to the local police.

Foreigners must self-declare if owning a home or renting a long-term house that their landlord cannot support. In addition, foreigners can declare their temporary residence online.

Accommodation establishments failing to declare temporary residence for foreigners staying at their places will be fined up to VND40 million (US$1,690), the department said, as cited by Thanh Nien newspaper.

Foreigners who fail to declare their residence face punishments including deportation, depending on whether they also use fake papers or commit other violations during their stay.

The registration of temporary residence is free of charge.

Starting on August 1, HCMC will begin a month-long campaign to inspect all facilities that accommodate foreigners to prevent criminal activities.

Police said many accommodation establishments "are not well aware" of declaring temporary residence for foreigners.

The southern metropolis is currently home to around 100,000 foreigners, the highest number among all localities in Vietnam. The city has around 80,000 accommodation facilities, including hotels, apartments, houses, and other homes.

HCMC police have allowed foreigner stays to be reported online through the immigration management division's website https://hochiminh.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn since 2007.