Vietnam Updates Deportation Procedures for Foreign Nationals
Decree No. 59/2024/ND-CP introduces comprehensive new rules for the deportation and temporary custody of foreign nationals who violate Vietnamese law. Expats and travelers should ensure strict compliance with visa and local regulations as the government broadens its enforcement and management procedures.
Vietnam Updates Deportation Procedures for Foreign Nationals
Vietnam is tightening its administrative enforcement with the release of Decree No. 59/2026/NĐ-CP. Issued on February 13, 2026, this decree establishes stricter protocols for deporting foreign nationals who violate local laws. It officially takes effect on April 1, 2026, replacing older regulations to create a unified enforcement standard across the country's land, sea, and airspace.
The decree functions as an administrative penalty under the Law on Handling Administrative Violations. It empowers provincial immigration authorities to compile detailed dossiers on violators, including personal history and evidence of misconduct. While the government provides a 48-hour notice before enforcement, the process allows for temporary detention or escort if there is a risk the individual might abscond.
Who is affected by the new rules
This policy applies to all foreign nationals within Vietnam's jurisdiction. Digital nomads and expats are particularly affected if they:
- Overstay their visas by any length of time.
- Work remotely on a tourist visa without proper authorization.
- Fail to report their residency or breach work permit conditions.
- Violate security or public order regulations.
The decree also extends to those on Vietnamese-flagged vessels or aircraft, ensuring there are no jurisdictional loopholes for those attempting to bypass immigration rules.
Compliance and rights for nomads
If you are living or traveling in Vietnam, staying compliant is the only way to avoid these expedited removal procedures. Deported individuals are required to settle all financial obligations, including fines and taxes, before departure. You must surrender your passport if requested and follow the designated exit timeframe.
Despite the stricter stance, the decree outlines specific rights for foreigners. You maintain the right to contact your embassy, access an interpreter, and request a legal review of the deportation decision. Postponements are possible in limited cases, such as serious illness or ongoing legal proceedings. To stay informed on changing regulations, check our latest nomad news regularly.
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