The Vietnamese government has approved a new procedure for the administrative expulsion (deportation) of foreigners. The corresponding Decree No. 59/2026/NĐ-CP came into effect on February 21, 2026. The document establishes strict regulations for the expulsion of violators and a system of mandatory biometric registration.
Visa Overstays and Entry Bans
Now, the decision on deportation is directly tied to the length of illegal stay:
- Up to 16 days: The violation is considered minor. Fine up to 2 million VND. Usually, it is allowed to pay the fine and leave without a ban on return.
- From 16 to 90 days: Fine from 5 to 20 million VND. The police have the right to initiate a deportation procedure with a ban on entry from 1 to 3 years.
- Over 90 days: Deportation and inclusion in the "blacklist" for a period of 5 years become mandatory.
- Over 180 days: Fine up to 40 million VND and deportation with a ban on return to the country for up to 10 years or for life.
Deportation for Illegal Work and Systematic Violations
In addition to visa delays, deportation is applied mandatorily for:
- Work without permission: Persons working without a permit (Work Permit), on a tourist visa, as well as those whose activities do not correspond to those stated in the documents, are subject to immediate deportation.
- Systematic offenses: Foreigners who have committed similar administrative offenses two or more times fall under deportation. This applies to gross violations of public order, registration rules, or traffic rules. At the same time, the law leaves the possibility of taking into account mitigating circumstances (the presence of a family of Vietnamese citizens or poor health).
How the Procedure Works
- Financial responsibility: All expenses for deportation and flights are paid by the violator himself or the inviting party. If the Vietnamese budget pays for the deportation (in extreme cases), entry is closed for life until the debt to the state is repaid in double the amount.
- Control of stay: The authorities may prohibit the violator from leaving the place of residence or oblige him to be in a designated place (including specialized centers) until the moment of departure.
- Seizure of documents: The passport is kept in the migration service and is handed over to the owner only by police officers directly at the airport.
- Biometric registration: Mandatory scanning of the retina and fingerprints excludes entry with a new passport with changed data.
Vietnam is moving towards a policy of stricter control of migration rules. The new measures are designed to stop illegal employment and limit the stay of those who have been living in the country for years, ignoring the visa regime. The government makes it clear: Vietnam is open to tourists and legal specialists, but systematic violation of laws will now lead to forced expulsion and a long-term ban on entry.