Nghe An implements electronic passport application online.

(Baonghean.vn) - From July 1st, Nghe An province will be piloting a system for receiving and processing electronic applications for ordinary passports for Vietnamese citizens, implemented by the Immigration Department.

On the afternoon of July 24th, the inter-agency working group on administrative reform of Nghe An province held a meeting with the Immigration Management Department of the Nghe An Provincial Police.

Over the past period, the Party committee and unit commanders have regularly inspected and supervised, enhancing the responsibility, discipline, administrative order, and public service ethics of officers and soldiers; and their attitude when working, interacting with, and handling procedures for citizens, foreigners, and agencies and businesses in the field of immigration.

To facilitate citizens, the Immigration Management Department (PA72) continues to coordinate with the Nghe An Provincial Post Office to contract with citizens for express passport delivery directly to recipients, contributing to saving time and travel costs for citizens, while also reducing the number of people coming to receive results at the unit's headquarters, limiting congestion and overload at the headquarters in its limited space.

The department has performed well in receiving and processing immigration procedures for Vietnamese and foreign citizens; and in verifying information to facilitate the approval and issuance of immigration documents. In 2016 and the first six months of 2017, it received and processed applications for 106,947 passports, forwarded them to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security for issuance; received and issued 26,112 Vietnam-Laos border passes to Vietnamese citizens. It also received, processed, and issued 34 temporary residence cards, 573 visas, 1,674 temporary residence extensions, and 61 permits to enter restricted areas for foreigners.

Regarding the program for declaring, receiving, and managing temporary residence information for foreigners, Department PA 72 has simplified the temporary residence declaration process for foreigners. Agencies and businesses can proactively enter temporary residence declaration data for foreigners and directly transfer the data to Department PA 72 without needing to print lists and submit them in person at the police station, ward, or commune.

At the same time, it is necessary to regularly update the temporary residence data of foreigners in a complete, accurate, and timely manner, serving the state management of immigration and residence activities of foreigners.

Officers from Department PA 72 guide citizens in registering for electronic applications for ordinary passports. Photo: Thanh Le

Notably, from July 1, 2017, Nghe An became the third locality nationwide, after Da Nang and Hai Phong, where the Immigration Department piloted the system for receiving and processing electronic applications for ordinary passports for Vietnamese citizens.

PA 72 Department proactively proposed to the Provincial Police to purchase computers and equipment to support the new program. PA 72 Department coordinated with the PA 72 Bureau to organize a training conference and implement the program; rearranged the citizen reception area, dedicating a specific area with computers connected to the internet for citizens to enter electronic passport application forms.

Assign staff to guide citizens in filling out electronic declaration forms and directly fill out forms for citizens in remote and mountainous ethnic minority areas. Simultaneously, coordinate with agencies and units to disseminate information to the public so they can effectively utilize this program.

Scene from the working session. Photo: Thanh Le

The program offers many benefits, allowing citizens to proactively fill out application forms at home, schedule appointments to submit documents at immigration offices, and reduce waiting times. Simultaneously, all citizen information is standardized, reducing processing time for passport applications and easing the burden on immigration authorities.

During the inspection, the working group highly appreciated the efforts of Department PA 72 in carrying out administrative reform effectively despite the challenging infrastructure conditions, creating favorable conditions for the people. The working group requested that, in the coming time, Department PA 72 review and update its system of state management documents; improve the implementation of online public services; and strengthen communication efforts to ensure people are aware of and effectively utilize the program for receiving and processing electronic applications for ordinary passports…

Thanh Le