Illegal Chinese immigrants arrested in coronavirus hotspot of Vinh Phuc province

Over 50 allegedly-illegal Chinese immigrants have just been arrested in Vinh Phuc as the northern province is reeling from a new coronavirus outbreak.

The provincial police said the Chinese were found residing at three locations on Ngo Gia Tu, Nguyen Van Chat and Nguyen Cong Tru streets. Local authorities have isolated them in place.

As of May 4, Vinh Phuc has recorded seven Covid-19 community transmissions, all linked to a local bar and making contact with a group of Chinese experts who tested positive for the coronavirus after returning to China.

Police officers work with alleged illegal Chinese immigrants in Vinh Phuc province. Photo: Vinh Phuc police

The province has closed down non-essential services like karaoke and massage parlors, bars and dance clubs for coronavirus prevention.

Vietnam police urges people to report illegal immigrants

The Ministry of Public Security has called on people to report any illegal immigrants into Vietnam at a recent online meeting in Hanoi, warning they are potential sources of Covid-19 infection.

The ministry said every locality must be vigilant against anyone they find illegally crossing borders and entering the country on fresh coronavirus alarm.

“If anyone sees strangers, they must report to authorities so that the area could be checked, preventing the disease from spreading further like in some other countries," stressed the ministry.

It cited another 67 Chinese people were found illegally residing in Hanoi’s districts of Nam Tu Liem and Thanh Xuan since late April amid concerns regarding recent coronavirus outbreaks in Vietnam.

The Illegal Chinese immigrants found in Hanoi. Photo: Hanoi police

Concerned agencies and localities must strengthen their control and strictly handle illegal immigration, the ministry said, adding that each citizen should raise their guard and timely notify the local authorities and functional forces of any illegal immigrants for the safety of the community.

Besides, it is crucial to strengthen the management of immigration activities in border localities, while increasing support measures for the localities.

Localities in the southwestern and northern borders in particular must not lower their guard against Covid-19, the ministry noted.

Vietnam's latest coronavirus outbreaks have seen 36 community transmissions since last week in six localities: Ha Nam, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Phuc and Danang.

At the time of writing, the country has recorded 2,996 Covid-19 cases, with 35 deaths; 387 of them still active.