Buzz
Approval criteria for sending Vietnamese citizens abroad primarily rely on documentation. However, some individuals still manage to escape thanks to 'clever' paperwork. These individuals employ various tactics to stay in their destination country through the tourism route.
Exploring every avenue to elude capture
The most recent incident occurred in early December 2013, when a group of 15 Vietnamese tourists 'disappeared' in Israel. This group was organized by a company in Hanoi, gathering individual travelers. The flight and the initial interviews in Israel proceeded smoothly, but at mealtime, guests started to vanish. Initially, there were 2 people, then just 1, and ultimately, no one. They managed to escape without the need for passports. According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel, this was the third occurrence of Vietnamese tourists escaping in this country.
In reality, Vietnamese tourists escaping to foreign countries through the tourism route is not uncommon. Among the preferred destinations, Israel is not the top choice; instead, it is South Korea, followed by Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Europe, and more.
Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat, Business Director of TransViet Travel Company, mentioned that those with intentions to escape while traveling often employ various tactics to deceive both the travel company and the visa-granting entity.
Mr. Dat shared a tale of TransViet falling victim to an elaborate scam. The group, originally employees of a construction company with a registered capital of several billion VND, had previously participated in TransViet's tour to South Korea. However, the director later organized them for overseas labor, including dozens of individuals along with their families. Surprisingly, upon arrival, two members vanished. It turned out the director had vouched for the labor contract, finances, income, and more, allowing the runaway workers. If caught by Korean authorities, laborers faced only a small fine and deportation, while the director, if intentionally profiting from this, could earn tens of thousands of dollars, according to Mr. Dat.
“Typically, when Vietnamese tourists visit South Korea, they are met by relatives or friends. Sometimes, they even bid farewell in front of the tour guide, rendering the guide helpless. Those intending to escape temporarily require a visa, but the 'experienced ones' do not. Some even create fake red books to prove financial capability,” Mr. Dat stated.
Moreover, according to Mr. Nguyen Huu Lam, Office Director in Vietnam for Arirang Tourist Service Company, there are several cases each year of Vietnamese guests staying back in South Korea. Another company specializing in gathering Vietnamese travelers to Korea in Hanoi recently had more than 10 individuals mysteriously 'disappear' out of a group of 20.
Representatives from a travel company in Hanoi also shared an incident from October 2013, where a couple over 40 from Saigon registered for a tour to South Korea. Despite a flawless application, the visa-granting authority had no reservations. However, on the fourth day of the trip, the husband escaped. The wife remained indifferent, as the escape plan was prearranged. “No one expected someone over 40 to run away, especially with such a perfect application,” she smirked.
Additionally, the Hong Kong market raised concerns as Vietnamese tourists were staying behind. Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat mentioned that due to this situation, the Chinese Embassy continuously adjusted its visa policies for Vietnamese nationals.
In the European market, when suspicions arise about tourists intending to escape, travel companies take extreme measures. Mr. Dat recounted incidents where companies had to escort guests all the way to the airport and even involve airline staff for supervision until boarding, fearing passengers might devise schemes to enter quarantine areas, attempting to escape.,” he added.
Thorough scrutiny to avoid losses
According to estimates from the Vietnam Tourism Association in 2012, approximately 3.5 million Vietnamese traveled abroad, with around 120,000 visiting South Korea alone. Individuals exploiting the tourism route for escape are causing significant damage to travel companies and the nation's reputation.
For instance, travel agencies may face fines up to $10,000 from Korean authorities for each runaway, even if they are only a partner of Vietnamese travel companies like Arirang. If the number of runaways increases, they risk license confiscation. Based on personal experience, Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat mentioned that out of every 10 applications to South Korea, there are a few suspicious cases of potential escape.
A travel company revealed that the Korean Embassy once halted visa issuance for its clients for 3 months, and in Europe in 2012, it was suspended for 6 months, causing significant losses.
According to outbound travel companies, to minimize instances of tourists escaping, the most challenging step is the scrutiny of visa application procedures.
To prevent mistakes, the experience of travel companies is to carefully review applications. This includes factors such as age, marital relationships, property documents, savings accounts, and relationships with family members. Additionally, they consider the traveler's job, connections with their workplace, and the guarantee provided by their employer.
Alternatively, check if the passport has a travel history. If the passport is blank and someone is buying a tour to South Korea, especially if they are unmarried, the travel agency usually rejects the application outright.
Travel companies also pay special attention to customers from rural areas like Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, as there is a higher risk of escape due to strong local communities in their home country. Specifically, for individuals from Quang Ninh and Hai Phong applying for a visa to Hong Kong, the Chinese Embassy often refuses due to a high escape rate.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Lam mentioned that experienced staff can quickly assess trustworthiness just by glancing at the passport. For instance, requesting customers to supplement their documents. If the customer has no intention to escape, they will provide them immediately, but if planning to escape, they often evade... These individuals are usually from rural areas, with low education, lacking understanding of procedures and conditions. However, Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat cautioned that due to economic difficulties, escapees are not limited to laborers; even the affluent might attempt to escape, for example, to evade debts.
In response to the situation of Vietnamese tourists escaping in Israel, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has issued circular number 17, stating it will firmly prevent the exploitation of the tourism route for the illegal departure of Vietnamese citizens.
Before selling a tour, it is essential to verify information about customers, especially those who have previously attempted to escape, for example, from provinces like Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong.
If suspicious signs are detected in customers purchasing tours to Israel, it is crucial to promptly report to the relevant authorities for timely prevention.
If there is evidence confirming the escape, immediately request the partner in the foreign country to report to the police for timely intervention. Simultaneously, inform the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel, the National Administration of Tourism, and relevant authorities for further handling.
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Source: Travel guide Mytour – According to Vietnamnet
MytourJanuary 17, 2014
