Joint Circular No. 03/2002/TTLT-BCA-BNG guides the issuance of ordinary passports and travel documents for Vietnamese citizens residing abroad pursuant to Decree No. 05/2000/NĐ-CP dated March 3, 2000 of the Government on exit and entry of Vietnamese citizens.

JOINT CIRCULAR

GUIDING THE ISSUE OF ORDINARY PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR VIETNAMESE CITIZENS ABROAD IN ACCORDANCE WITH DECREE NO. 05/2000/NĐ-CP OF MARCH 3, 2000 OF THE GOVERNMENT ON EXIT FROM AND ENTRY INTO VIETNAM BY VIETNAMESE CITIZENS: IMPLEMENTING DECREE NO. 05/2000/NĐ-CP OF MARCH 3, 2000 OF THE GOVERNMENT ON EXIT FROM AND ENTRY INTO VIETNAM BY VIETNAMESE CITIZENS, THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ISSUE GUIDELINES ON THE ISSUE, EXTENSION, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND AMENDMENT OF ORDINARY PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR VIETNAMESE CITIZENS ABROAD AS FOLLOWS:

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS 1. THIS CIRCULAR GUIDES THE ISSUE, EXTENSION, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND AMENDMENT OF ORDINARY PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR VIETNAMESE CITIZENS ABROAD. 2. THE ISSUE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR VIETNAMESE CITIZENS IN COUNTRIES THAT HAVE AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH VIETNAM TO ACCEPT VIETNAMESE CITIZENS WHO ARE NOT PERMITTED TO RESIDE ABROAD; VIETNAMESE CITIZENS RETURNING TO VIETNAM UNDER DECISION NO. 875/TTg OF NOVEMBER 21, 1996 OF THE PRIME MINISTER ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS CIRCULAR.

3. THE ISSUE, EXTENSION, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND AMENDMENT OF ORDINARY PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR VIETNAMESE CITIZENS ABROAD AIMS TO CREATE CONVENIENT CONDITIONS FOR THE RESIDENCE AND MOVEMENT OF VIETNAMESE CITIZENS, BUT MUST ENSURE ACCURACY AND MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND SOCIAL ORDER AND SAFETY.

4. VIETNAMESE CITIZENS ABROAD WHO APPLY FOR THE ISSUE, EXTENSION, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND AMENDMENT OF PASSPORTS MUST PERSONALLY APPEAR AT THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION, CONSULATE, OR OTHER VIETNAMESE AUTHORIZED BODY OVERSEAS (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION) TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS AND RECEIVE PASSPORTS. IN CASES WHERE THE APPLICANT IS IN A COUNTRY WITHOUT A DIPLOMATIC MISSION OR IS UNABLE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS OR RECEIVE PASSPORTS DUE TO ILLNESS OR OTHER SPECIAL REASONS, THE HEADS OF THE DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS SHALL CONSIDER AND DECIDE TO SUBMIT OR RECEIVE ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT BASED ON A WRITTEN REQUEST FROM THE APPLICANT.5. IN COMPLEX SECURITY CASES, THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION WILL ISSUE PASSPORTS OR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ONLY WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION MANAGEMENT - MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY.

6. IN THIS CIRCULAR, THE FOLLOWING TERMS ARE UNDERSTOOD AS:DOCUMENTS PROVING VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY INCLUDE: CERTIFICATE OF VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY; DECISION GRANTING VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY; DECISION RESTORING VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY; IDENTITY CARDS AND PASSPORTS ISSUED BY VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES.DOCUMENTS PROVING PERSONAL INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION STAMPED BY VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES INCLUDE: IDENTITY CARDS; PERSONAL INFORMATION CERTIFICATES (IN THE MODEL) CONFIRMED BY THE HEAD OF THE POLICE STATION OF THE COMMUNE, WARD WHERE THE APPLICANT REGISTERS AS A PERMANENT RESIDENT BEFORE EXITING THE COUNTRY; FACTUAL INFORMATION CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION MANAGEMENT - MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY; CURRICULUM VITAE CONFIRMED BY THE HEAD OF THE AUTHORIZED BODY IF THE APPLICANT IS A STATE OFFICIAL UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THAT BODY.

PERSONAL INFORMATION OF THE APPLICANT FOR PASSPORT ISSUANCE INCLUDES: FULL NAME; DATE OF BIRTH; PLACE OF BIRTH; GENDER; NATIONALITY; CURRENT ADDRESS AND DOMICILE ADDRESS IN THE COUNTRY BEFORE EXITING THE COUNTRY. PERSONNEL INFORMATION OF THE APPLICANT FOR PASSPORT ISSUANCE INCLUDES: PERSONAL INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPH, AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE TIME, PORT, FORM OF EXIT, AND DETAILS OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (TYPE, NUMBER, DATE, AND ISSUING AUTHORITY, RELATIVES ALREADY OR STILL LIVING IN VIETNAM (FULL NAME, RELATIONSHIP, TIME, AND DOMICILE ADDRESS)), INCLUDING THE CASE WHERE THE RELATIVE HAS PASSED AWAY.

II. PROCEDURES FOR THE ISSUE, EXTENSION, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND AMENDMENT OF PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS 1. THE ISSUE OF PASSPORTS FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A PASSPORT (FIRST ISSUE) 1.1. DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION INCLUDE: APPLICATION FORM FOR PASSPORT ISSUE AND PHOTOS AS REQUIRED;

COPIES OF DOCUMENTS PROVING VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY; COPIES OF DOCUMENTS PROVING PERSONAL INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION STAMPED BY VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES.

WHEN SUBMITTING COPIES OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS, THE ORIGINALS MUST BE PRESENTED FOR VERIFICATION AND COMPARISON. IN CASES WHERE THERE ARE NO DOCUMENTS PROVING VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY OR PERSONAL INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION STAMPED BY VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES, THE APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT A CURRICULUM VITAE AS REQUIRED.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN PERMITTED TO RESIDE BY THE HOST COUNTRY, A LEGAL RESIDENCE PERMIT MUST ALSO BE SUBMITTED.

IN CASES WHERE THE APPLICANT HAS NOT BEEN PERMITTED TO RESIDE BY THE HOST COUNTRY, THE APPLICATION FORM MUST CLEARLY STATE THE SOURCE, TIME, REASON, AND PURPOSE OF RESIDENCE IN THE HOST COUNTRY, ACCOMPANIED BY ANY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (IF AVAILABLE). 1.2. THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION WILL PROCESS AS FOLLOWS:

a) IN CASES WHERE THERE ARE DOCUMENTS PROVING VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY, ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION AND APPLICATION CONTENT ARE COMPLETE AND ACCURATE, AND DO NOT FALL UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CIRCULAR, THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION WILL ISSUE THE PASSPORT TO THE APPLICANT WITHIN FIVE WORKING DAYS FROM THE DATE OF RECEIVING THE COMPLETE AND LEGAL APPLICATION. b) IN CASES WHERE THERE ARE NO DOCUMENTS PROVING VIETNAMESE NATIONALITY OR PERSONAL INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION STAMPED BY VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES, THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION WILL GUIDE THE APPLICANT TO SUBMIT A CURRICULUM VITAE ACCOMPANIED BY REFERENCE DOCUMENTS REGARDING NATIONALITY (IN ACCORDANCE WITH VIETNAMESE LAWS ON NATIONALITY). THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION WILL LIST THE PERSONNEL INFORMATION AND PHOTOS OF THE APPLICANT AND SEND THEM TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS - MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FORWARDING THE LIST AND PHOTOS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION MANAGEMENT - MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY AND THE FUNCTIONAL BODY OF THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE FOR VERIFICATION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION AND NATIONALITY (AS REQUIRED). WITHIN 40 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF RECEIVING THE LIST FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS, THE DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION MANAGEMENT AND THE FUNCTIONAL BODY OF THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE WILL REVIEW AND PROVIDE A RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS. THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION WILL REVIEW, PROCESS, AND RESPOND TO THE APPLICANT WITHIN FIVE WORKING DAYS FROM THE DATE OF RECEIVING THE RESPONSE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS.

1.3. RELATIVES OF THE APPLICANT IN VIETNAM (FATHER, MOTHER, SPOUSE, CHILDREN, GRANDPARENTS, BROTHERS, SISTERS, UNCLE, AUNT) MAY DIRECTLY APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION MANAGEMENT OR THE IMMIGRATION MANAGEMENT BRANCH OF THE POLICE OF THE PROVINCE OR CITY WHERE THEY RESIDE TO REQUEST VERIFICATION OF THE PERSONNEL INFORMATION OF THE APPLICANT FOR PASSPORT ISSUANCE.

II. ISSUES REGARDING THE ISSUE, EXTENSION, SUPPLEMENTATION, AND AMENDMENT OF PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

1. The issuance of passports for individuals who do not yet have a passport (first-time issuance).

1.1. Documents to be submitted at the representative office include: Passport application form and photographs as prescribed;

A copy of a document proving Vietnamese nationality;

A copy of a personal identification certificate with attached photograph stamped by a competent Vietnamese authority.

When submitting copies of these documents, the original must be presented for verification. In cases where there is no document proving Vietnamese nationality or a personal identification certificate with attached photograph stamped by a competent Vietnamese authority, a curriculum vitae as prescribed must be submitted.

For those already residing in the host country, a valid residence permit must also be submitted.

If not yet granted residence in the host country, the passport application form must clearly state the origin, duration, reasons, and purpose of residence in the host country along with supporting documents (if available).. 1.2. The representative office shall handle as follows: a) Where there are documents proving Vietnamese nationality, complete and accurate personal information, and full content of the declaration, and the case does not fall under the provisions of this Circular, the representative office shall issue the passport within five working days from the date of receipt of the complete and valid application.

b) Where there are no documents proving Vietnamese nationality or a personal identification certificate with attached photograph stamped by a competent Vietnamese authority, the representative office shall guide the applicant to declare a curriculum vitae and submit reference documents regarding nationality (consistent with Vietnamese laws on nationality). The representative office shall compile a list including personal factors and photographs of the applicant and send it to the Consular Department - Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Consular Department shall be responsible for transferring the list and photographs to the Immigration Management Department - Public Security Organs for verification of personal information and to the competent organs of the Ministry of Justice for verification of nationality (as required). Within forty days from the date of receipt of the list transferred by the Consular Department, the Immigration Management Department and the competent organs of the Ministry of Justice shall examine and respond to the Consular Department. The representative office shall examine, resolve, and respond to the applicant within five working days from the date of receipt of the response from the Consular Department. 1.3. Family members of the applicant residing in Vietnam (father, mother, spouse, children, grandparents, siblings, or cousins) may directly visit the Immigration Management Department or the Provincial Police Immigration Management Office to request confirmation of the applicant's personal information.

If the passport of the applicant shows signs of abnormality such as erasure, alteration of personal information pages, replacement of photographs, replacement of pages, or resewing of the passport, the representative office shall send a letter, accompanied by a copy of the passport and photograph, to the issuing authority for verification. The content of the letter requesting verification must clearly specify the aforementioned abnormal signs. If the verifying authority responds that the passport should not be issued, the representative office shall not extend the passport but shall recall it and require clear and accurate declarations for examination and resolution according to the guidance at point 1 of this Section. In cases where reconsideration and resolution occur, the representative office shall notify the reasons for resolution to the Consular Department and the Immigration Management Department. III 6. Intentionally damaging a passport.

b) To take the lead and coordinate with the Immigration Management Department to issue various forms: "Passport Application Form"; "Application Form for Extension, Supplement, and Amendment of Passport"; "Application Form for Travel Document"; "Curriculum Vitae". 5. Annually, the representative offices shall be responsible for summarizing the implementation of this Circular and sending it to the Immigration Management Department and the Consular Department. 6. This Circular takes effect fifteen days from the date of signature and replaces Joint Circular No. 02/1998/TTLT-BNV-BNG dated May 19, 1998 of the Ministry of Home Affairs - Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Previous joint regulations and guidelines of the Ministry of Public Security - Ministry of Foreign Affairs that conflict with this Joint Circular are hereby abolished./.The judiciary is responsible for reviewing the reply from the Consular Department to enable the Consular Department to respond to the diplomatic mission. The diplomatic mission shall examine, resolve, and reply to the passport application requester within five working days from the date of receipt of the Consular Department's response.

1.3. Relatives of the passport applicant residing in Vietnam (father, mother, spouse, children, grandparents, siblings, or cousins) may directly visit the Exit and Entry Administration Department or the Exit and Entry Police Station in their place of residence to request confirmation of the applicant's personal information.

Within forty days from the date of receipt of the application, the Immigration Management Department shall examine and issue a written response, while simultaneously notifying the diplomatic mission.

When Vietnamese citizens residing abroad submit an application for passport issuance along with the personnel factor confirmation document issued by the Immigration Management Department, then within five working days from the date of receiving all aforementioned documents, the diplomatic mission shall examine and decide.

1.4. The issuance of passports for other special cases, the diplomatic mission reports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to examine and decide, after obtaining the opinion of the Ministry

of Public Security confirming there are no security issues and ensuring the principle of issuing passports only to Vietnamese citizens.

2. Issuance of replacement passports due to loss. 2.1. The documents submitted at the diplomatic mission include: Application form for passport issuance and photos as prescribed;

Report on lost passport with confirmation from the competent authority of the host country where the report was made.

2.2. The 1.3. Family members of the applicant residing in Vietnam (father, mother, spouse, children, grandparents, siblings, or cousins) may directly visit the Immigration Management Department or the Provincial Police Immigration Management Office to request confirmation of the applicant's personal information.

a) After receiving the report on lost passport, the diplomatic mission has the responsibility to promptly notify the personnel factors to:

The agency that issued the passport to check and invalidate its usage value; the Immigration Management Department to inform the border gates;

The agency responsible for managing entry and exit in the host country.

b) In case the passport was lost due to issuance by the diplomatic mission itself, the diplomatic mission checks and compares with the retained file or citizen registration file, if it confirms that the declared personnel factors by the applicant for replacement are accurate and not covered under the provisions of this Circular, then within five working days from the date of receiving complete valid documents, the diplomatic mission shall issue a replacement passport. III c) For other cases, the diplomatic mission sends the personnel factors, along with the photo of the applicant for replacement passport, to the agency that issued the lost passport for verification.

If the requested verification agency confirms the issuance of the passport, then within five working days from the date of receiving the verification results, the diplomatic mission shall issue a replacement passport.

If the requested verification agency responds that the passport was not issued, the diplomatic mission will not issue a replacement passport to the applicant and request clear and accurate declaration for examination and resolution according to the guidance at point 1 of this Section.

If reconsidered and resolved, the diplomatic mission shall notify clearly the reasons for resolution to the Consular Bureau and the Immigration Management Department.

After forty-five days from the date the diplomatic mission sends the verification request and does not receive a reply from the passport issuing agency, the head of the diplomatic mission shall examine and decide.

Relatives

2.3. of the applicant for replacement passport residing in Vietnam (father, mother, wife, husband, children, grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts) may directly visit the Immigration Management Department or the Exit and Entry Administration of the provincial police force where they reside to request confirmation of the personnel factors of the applicant for replacement passport. abroad submitting an application for replacement passport along with the personnel factor confirmation document of the applicant issued by the Immigration Management Department, then within five working days from the date of receiving complete valid documents, the diplomatic mission shall examine and decide.

Within forty days from the date of receipt of the application, the Immigration Management Department shall examine and issue a written response, while simultaneously notifying the diplomatic mission.

When Vietnamese citizens residing 3. Issuance of replacement passports due to damage (tear, dirt...), full pages or expiration of validity period.

3.1. The

documents submitted to the diplomatic mission include: Damaged, full-page or expired passport. 3.2. The documents submitted at the diplomatic mission include: Application form for passport issuance and photos as prescribed;

a) In case the passport is damaged, full-page or expired but the personal data page and photo remain intact without erasure or alteration, or the photo in the application form matches the old passport, and does not fall under the provisions of this Section,

b) In case the passport shows unusual signs such as: erasure, alteration on the personal data page, replacement of photo, replacement of page, stitching of the passport, blurred photo in the passport, peeling off..., the diplomatic mission sends a letter, along with a copy of the passport and photo, to the agency that issued the passport for verification. The content of the letter requesting verification should clearly state these unusual signs. 1.3. Family members of the applicant residing in Vietnam (father, mother, spouse, children, grandparents, siblings, or cousins) may directly visit the Immigration Management Department or the Provincial Police Immigration Management Office to request confirmation of the applicant's personal information.

If the verification agency responds that the passport was not issued, the diplomatic mission will not issue a replacement passport to the applicant and request clear and accurate declaration for examination and resolution according to the guidance at point 1 of this Section. If reconsidered and resolved, the diplomatic mission shall notify clearly the reasons for resolution to the Consular Bureau and the Immigration Management Department. III c) For other cases, the diplomatic mission sends the personnel factors, along with the photo of the applicant for replacement passport, to the agency that issued the lost passport for verification.

If the passport shows unusual signs as mentioned above, if the applicant for passport submission or presentation provides a certificate of identity with a photo affixed by a competent Vietnamese authority, the diplomatic mission shall handle as prescribed in point 3.2a of this Section.

c) For passports issued as replacements, the diplomatic mission shall note on the new passport the content "This passport replaces passport number..., issued on...day...month...year..." while cutting the corner of the old passport and returning it to the recipient.

Relatives

4. Extension, supplementation, and amendment of passports.

4.1. Passport extension:

a) Within twelve months before the passport expires, if there is a need to extend the passport, the holder must submit to the diplomatic mission an application form for passport extension as prescribed, along with the passport.

b) The

diplomatic mission shall handle as follows: If it is determined that the passport of the applicant for extension remains intact without signs of erasure or alteration on

the personal data page, without replacement of photo or page, or stitching of the passport, and does not fall under the provisions of Section III of this Circular, then within five working days from the date of receiving complete valid documents, the diplomatic mission shall extend the passport. If the passport of the applicant for extension shows unusual signs such as: erasure, alteration on the personal data page, replacement of photo, replacement of page, stitching of the passport, the diplomatic mission shall send a letter, along with a copy of the passport and photo, to the agency that issued the passport for verification. The content of the letter requesting verification should clearly state these unusual signs. If the verification agency responds that the passport was not issued, the diplomatic mission will not extend the passport but will revoke it and request clear and accurate declaration for examination and resolution according to the guidance at point 1 of this Section. If reconsidered and resolved, the diplomatic mission shall notify clearly the reasons for resolution to the Consular Bureau and the Immigration Management Department.

If the passport of the renewal applicant shows unusual signs such as erasure, alteration on the personal data page, replacement of photographs, replacement of pages, or resewing of the passport, then the diplomatic mission shall send a letter, along with a copy of the passport and photograph, to the issuing authority for verification. The content of the letter requesting verification must clearly state the aforementioned unusual signs. If the verifying authority does not issue that passport, the diplomatic mission will not extend it but instead revoke the passport and require clear and accurate declaration for examination and resolution according to the guidance at Point 1 of this Section. In cases where reconsideration and resolution occur, the diplomatic mission shall notify the reasons for resolution to the Consular Department and the Exit and Entry Administration Department. Intentionally damaging the passport.

In case the passport exhibits unusual signs as mentioned above, if the applicant submits or presents identity certification documents with attached photos stamped by a competent Vietnamese authority, the diplomatic mission will consider and decide to issue a new passport to replace the damaged old one without needing verification from the issuing agency.

For complex cases, the diplomatic mission will coordinate with the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau for joint handling. If the passport has expired or was issued to individuals under 16 years old, the diplomatic mission will not renew it but guide them through the process of reissuing a new passport according to the regulations stipulated in Point 3 of this Section.

4.2. Matters concerning the addition and amendment of passports:

a) The applicant requesting the addition or amendment of a passport must submit to the diplomatic mission an application form for such additions or amendments as prescribed, along with the passport.

In the following situations, additional copies of relevant legal documents must be submitted, accompanied by the original for verification:

Adding children to the passport of their biological parents, adoptive parents, or guardians requires submission of a copy of the child's birth certificate or a copy of the decision by the competent authority recognizing adoption or guardianship.

Amending personal information such as surname, given name, middle name, date of birth, place of birth... requires submission of a copy of the birth certificate, ID card, or a copy of the decision by the provincial People's Committee (former place of residence in Vietnam) allowing changes or corrections to the surname, given name, middle name, date of birth, place of birth...

the personal data page, without replacement of photo or page, or stitching of the passport, and does not fall under the provisions of Section III of this Circular, then within five working days from the date of receiving complete valid documents, the diplomatic mission shall extend the passport. The diplomatic mission shall handle as follows: If the passport of the applicant requesting additions or amendments remains intact, the personal data page is not erased, altered, replaced with a photo, or re-stuck with a photo, and the personal data recorded onthe aforementioned documents is accurate, then the diplomatic mission will make additions or amendments within five working days from the date of receiving all valid documents.

If there is no basis to determine that the personal data recorded onthe aforementioned documents is accurate, then the diplomatic mission will not make additions or amendments to the passport. If the applicant continues to request additions or amendments, the diplomatic mission will send a copy of the documents and clearly state the inaccurate or questionable elements to the Consular Department for handling according to the regulations stipulated in Point 1.2b of this Section.

Children cannot be added to the passport of someone who is not their biological parent, adoptive parent, or guardian; children without Vietnamese nationality cannot be added to the passport of a Vietnamese citizen.

After making additions or amendments to the passport, the diplomatic mission will notify the passport issuing agency.

5. Issuance of travel documents.

5.1. Travel documents are issued to those without passports in the following circumstances to return to Vietnam:

a) Being expelled or forced to leave the country by the local government;

b) Required to return to Vietnam at the request of a Vietnamese competent authority;

c) Have intention to obtain travel documents to return to Vietnam.

5.2. Individuals falling under Point 5.1 of this Section must submit to the diplomatic mission an application form for travel documents as prescribed and the documents specified in Point 1.1 of this Section (if applicable).

5.3. The diplomatic mission will handle as follows:

a) In the case specified in Point 5.1a, the diplomatic mission will send personal data along with a photo to the Consular Department. The Consular Department is responsible for sending these documents to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau for verification. Based on the verification results from the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau, the Consular Department will inform the diplomatic mission to proceed accordingly.

b) In the case specified in Point 5.1b, the agency requiring the individual to return to Vietnam must communicate in writing with the Consular Department and the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau. The diplomatic mission will only issue travel documents when notified by the Consular Department or the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.

c) For the case specified in Point 5.1c, the diplomatic mission will handle as follows:

If there are documents proving Vietnamese nationality, complete and accurate personal data, and the declaration content does not fall under the provisions of this III Circular, then within five working days from the date of receiving all valid applications, the diplomatic mission will issue travel documents.

If there are no documents proving Vietnamese nationality, only a brief resume or declaration content with questionable points, the diplomatic mission will follow the regulations stipulated in Point 1.2b of this Section.

d) For cases stipulated in Points 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this III Circular, the diplomatic mission will only issue travel documents upon notification of agreement from the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.

e) For individuals issued travel documents to return to Vietnam as specified in Points 5.1a and 5.1b of this Section, the diplomatic mission will promptly provide information about the time, means, flight number, and entry port to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau and the Consular Department for coordinated handling.

III. SITUATIONS WHERE PASSPORTS HAVE NOT BEEN ISSUED, RENEWED, ADDED TO, OR AMENDED

The following situations have not been issued, renewed, added to, or amended passports:

1. Due to national security and social order reasons in Vietnam,

2. Residing abroad under refugee status; 3. Nationality and declared details are unclear or there is no basis to verify the accuracy of the declaration;

4. Falsifying application materials or declaring false information to obtain issuance, renewal, addition, or amendment of passports;

5. Buying, selling, or lending passports to others;

6. Intentionally damaging passports.

b) Take the lead and coordinate with the Exit and Entry Administration Department to issue various forms: "Application for Passport Issuance"; "Application for Passport Renewal, Supplement, and Amendment"; "Application for Travel Permit"; "Curriculum Vitae". 5. Annually, the diplomatic missions are responsible for summarizing the implementation of this Circular and sending it to the Exit and Entry Administration Department and the Consular Department.

IV. IMPLEMENTATION

1. After issuing passports or travel documents, the diplomatic mission is responsible for promptly reporting the list of individuals who have received passports or travel documents, including detailed personal data and passport information, to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau and the Consular Department.

2. Upon discovering cases stipulated in this IIICircular that have already been issued passports, if the passport was issued by the diplomatic mission itself, the diplomatic mission will recall or declare invalid the passport; if the passport was issued by another agency, the diplomatic mission will seize it and return it to the issuing agency.

Immediately after recalling or seizing the passport, the diplomatic mission will report to the Consular Department and the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau for coordinated handling.

2. The Exit-Entry Administration Bureau is responsible for:

a) Guide the provincial police forces under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government to carry out verification work and report on cases where Vietnamese citizens abroad request extensions, modifications, or supplements to their passports as stipulated in this Circular.

b) Guide the implementation of provisions regarding relatives within the country requesting confirmation of personal factors for the passport applicant.c) Issue templates for the "Application for Confirmation of Personal Factors," "Confirmation of Personal Factors," and "Personal Identity Certificate."

d) Timely exchange with the Consular Department and overseas representative offices to resolve issues encountered during the implementation of this Circular. Coordinate with the Consular Department to organize inspections and monitor the implementation of this Circular at overseas representative offices when required.

4. The Consular Department shall be responsible for:

a) Guide overseas representative offices and the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City in implementing this Circular.

b) Take the lead and coordinate with the Immigration Management Department to issue various forms: "Passport Application Form"; "Application Form for Passport Extension, Supplement, or Modification"; "Application Form for Travel Permit"; "Curriculum Vitae." 5. Annually, overseas representative offices shall be responsible for summarizing the implementation of this Circular and submitting it to the Immigration Management Department and the Consular Department. 6. This Circular takes effect fifteen days from the date of signature and replaces Joint Circular No. 02/1998/TTLT-BNV-BNG dated May 19, 1998, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Previous joint guidelines issued by the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that conflict with this Joint Circular are also abolished./.

6. This Circular takes effect fifteen days after the signing date and replaces Circular Joint No. 02/1998/TTLT-BNV-BNG dated May 19, 1998, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs - Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All previous joint regulations and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Public Security - Ministry of Foreign Affairs that conflict with this Circular are hereby abolished./.

5. Định kỳhàng năm, các cơ quan đại diện có trách nhiệm sơ kết việc thực hiện Thông tư nàygửi về Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh và Cục lãnh sự.

6. Thông tưnày có hiệu lực sau 15 ngày, kể từ ngày ký và thay thế thông tư liên tịch số02/1998/TTLT-BNV-BNG ngày 19/5/1998 của BộNội vụ - Bộ Ngoạigiao. Những quy định và hướng dẫn liên tịch trước đây của Bộ Côngan - Bộ Ngoại giao trái với Thông tư liên tịch này đềubãi bỏ./.