Important Information: Visa Renewals and COVID-19 Panel Experts Video

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Apologies for interrupting your Saturday evening but I felt it necessary to share some important information with you as I have received several queries about these matters.

VISAS

A number of us, yes, including myself, have work permits/visas expiring over the next few months. HR will process these visas in batches by month, as work permit applications cannot be submitted before one month of expiry. Currently, there is a group of work permits/visas being processed.

Here are a few points from HR on the renewal process:

1. The process is taking longer than usual this year due to new regulations.

2. All of our foreign faculty’s visas and work permits are currently valid.

3. We do not foresee any rejection of work visas.

4. To ensure that the process can be fast-tracked, make sure your documents are prepared as per HR requirements.

5. Please note that HR makes it a point to get your passport back on the same day and hold on to it so that it is always available to you. This routine is a temporary change from the usual protocol and it involves much greater human resources.

COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM EXPERTS

Last week, I held a panel with Louis Crépin, Deputy General, Vietnam & Cambodia of International SOS, Dr. Phi Truong, Medical Director at International SOS, and Nurses Office Manager, Lisa Chute.

During the panel, they addressed pertinent information regarding the work that International SOS is doing in Vietnam regarding COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis, and care. Also, they clarified the questions that came from you, such as: What is the difference between self-isolation and quarantine? What happens if you become quarantined in Vietnam? How does contact tracing work?

Watch the video: COVID-19 PANEL WITH INTERNATIONAL SOS

You will find that the video was time-stamped for us (thank you, George!) which will allow you to jump to the specific topics addressed. However, as our discussion was very informative, I think that you will find that watching it in its entirety will be of great benefit to you. Please note that Dr. Phi answered multiple key questions in Vietnamese, which you will also find labeled in the time-stamps.

If you have any additional questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Take good care out there!

All best wishes,
Catriona