Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has tasked ministries, government agencies, and administrations with coordinating the prevention of discrimination against foreign visitors as the country battles the COVID-19 epidemic.

PM Phuc’s directive is a direct response to recent reports that local hotels and accommodation services have been denying service to foreigners.

Photos of businesses displaying signs prohibiting foreigners from entering their premises have been circulating on Vietnamese social media. The directive is intended to quell such activity.

In order to enforce the prohibition of such behavior and maintain the image of Vietnam as a safe, friendly, and hospitable tourist destination, the prime minister requested that provincial and municipal administrations review the current situation of foreign tourists in their respective localities.

He also asked local administrations to remind organizations or individuals working in the hospitality industry, particularly in tourism hotspots, to comply with the provisions of the Law on Tourism, which prohibits discrimination against tourists.

All acts of discrimination and service denial aimed at tourists coming from foreign countries shall be rectified and strictly handled, according to the directive.

Complicated situations should be reported immediately to appropriate higher-level agencies for direction. 

The head of government has also assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to direct and guide localities, tourism businesses, and accommodation establishments on proactively deploying COVID-19 prevention measures, pursuant to the PM's directives and health agencies’ guidance, in order to help support and create favorable conditions for foreign tourists, ensure their safety, and keep tourism activities organized.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is charged with providing prompt guidance on preventing unwanted incidents and coordinating with the embassies of relevant countries in the process of handling COVID-19 cases, as well as preserving Vietnam’s international image.

The novel coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, has infected over 218,700 people and killed more than 8,900 globally as of Thursday morning, according to Ministry of Health statistics.

Vietnam’s COVID-19 tally has soared to 76, with 16 having fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital by February 16.

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