HCMC – The Embassy of Finland on August 11 announced suspending the recognition of Vietnam’s new blue-violet passport as it lacks the holder’s place of birth (POB) information.
The Embassy of Finland will no longer accept visa or residence permit applications of Vietnamese holding new passports. Birthplace piece of information is required for personal identification and visas or residence permits issuance, according to the embassy.
The suspension will last until further notice from the Finnish authorities.
The embassy will work closely with relevant agencies of Vietnam and the European Union (EU) members to resolve the issue.
On August 3, the British Embassy said the UK would continue to recognize the new passport of Vietnam. The embassy noted that visa applicants should update information on passport regulations of other destinations.
Germany and the Czech Republic announced to suspend the recognition of Vietnam’s new passport, for the same reason.
Earlier, Spain stated not to recognize the new Vietnamese passport but later reversed its decision.
Since early July, the Ministry of Public Security has issued 272,000 new version passports, according to Minister of Public Security To Lam.
To resolve the current issue, he said the ministry would add the POB information on an Observations page for citizens if needed.
The ministry will collaborate closely with the relevant agencies and the National Assembly to amend the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens in order to add the birthplace field in the passport.
The ministry is asking for feedback from the National Defense and Security Committee, the Law Committee, the Government Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this issue.
