Vietnam's National Assembly on Monday voted in favour of amendments to its immigration law, allowing visitors to change their visa status

for the first time to prolong their stays in Vietnam without having to fly out of the country.

The amendment to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners was approved by an overwhelming 83.6 per cent of the National Assembly.

The law will come into effect on July 1 next year, allowing visitors to apply to change their visas under a number of circumstances.

Visitors who can prove that they are investors or representatives of foreign organisations that make legal investments in the country will be permitted to have their purpose of visit switched during their stay, according to the amendment.

The family members of invitees will also enjoy the same benefit.

Foreign workers who receive job offers in Vietnam or enter the country on electronic visas will be able to change their visa status as long as they have a valid work permit or confirmation that they are exempt from a work permit.

Foreign guests in Vietnam currently have to fly out of the country if they want to renew their visas on much-maligned “visa runs”.

National Assembly Committee on National Defence and Security chairman Vo Trong Viet said the amendments would make it easier for foreigners to stay in Vietnam to learn about the market, look for jobs and investment opportunities without wasting time and money on immigration procedures.

“The regulation is open but also strict about monitoring foreigners living in Vietnam. Not all tourists that visit Vietnam can apply for a change of purpose depending on particular conditions,” he told the National Assembly.

THE VIET NAM NEWS/ANN