As from July next year, Hanoi will officially restrict migration to the inner capital city under a draft law passed by the National Assembly yesterday afternoon.

The capital bill was passed with 76% in favor and 15% against. Meanwhile, 21% of the deputies opposed to article 19 that stipulates migration restriction to inner Hanoi.

Under the new rule, as from July 1, 2013, those not subject to the migration law will only be able to register for temporary residence in inner Hanoi city if they meet two conditions: have already lived in Hanoi for at least three consecutive years as a temporary resident; and own a house or have already legally rented a house.

Those subject to the migration law are allowed to stay including those being paid by the state, being transferred to work in the capital by state organizations, having work contracts, or settling in Hanoi with their relatives who already have permanent residence there.

Deputy Duong Trung Quoc objected this clause, saying it “partially is in conflict with the freedom of movement of citizens…It is just a temporary solution to solve the issue of population explosion in the inner capital”.

Quoc added that the new regulation could profit some groups of people. For example, the requirement of a house may lead to price hikes in apartment buildings, serving the rich.

According to many deputies, investing in outer Hanoi is a long-term solution. Better infrastructure and living standards there will naturally draw more people from leaving the inner city. With the new regulation, every year the city could reduce migration by several hundred thousand people, after 4-5 years, it is expected to cut down by around a million migrants, Hanoi party secretary Pham Quang Nghi told the press after the law was passed.

Accommodation, education, health care, and social order for one million people is a big issue, added the capital leader.