The Slovak government officially acknowledged the Vietnamese community as the country’s 14th ethnic minority group and, as a result, approved regulations to address the needs and concerns of this vibrant community.

The recognition came about following recommendations from experts and the Slovak government Council on Human Rights, Ethnic Minorities, and Gender Equality.

The Vietnamese community fully meets the criteria “in quantity” and “has lived in Slovakia for nearly 70 years and the third generation has fully integrated into society,” The Slovak Spectator magazine quoted experts as saying.

In accordance with the government’s resolution, the Vietnamese community will have representatives at the Committee on Ethnic Minorities and Ethnic Groups under the Council of the Government of the Slovak Republic for Human Rights, Ethnic Minorities, and Gender Equality. 

Moreover, the community will receive financial support from the Fund for Cultural Support of Ethnic Minorities and will have the right to express opinions and contribute to decision-making regarding the allocation of funds.

According to an official census conducted in Slovakia in 2021, 2,793 Slovak citizens identified themselves as having Vietnamese ancestry and 489 individuals held Vietnamese nationality as a secondary citizenship.

Third-generation people from the community speak fluent Slovak, are successful in their professional fields, and contribute to the prosperity of Slovakia.

The last time Slovakia recognized a community as an ethnic minority was 13 years ago when it recognized the Serbian community as an ethnic minority, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!