Dak Lak Provincial People’s Committee has issued an open letter calling on ethnic minorities from the province who are residing illegally in Thailand to voluntarily return to Vietnam.

Those who repatriate will not face administrative or criminal penalties for immigration violations and will receive support to rebuild their lives and develop economically.

On March 24, Nguyen Thien Van, Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People’s Committee, confirmed to VietNamNet that the local government had sent a letter appealing to Dak Lak’s ethnic minority residents currently living illegally in Thailand to voluntarily return to Vietnam.

The letter acknowledges that many ethnic minority residents of Dak Lak were misled by unscrupulous individuals who persuaded them to sell their assets and migrate illegally to Thailand in search of a better life and higher income. However, upon arriving in Thailand, they encountered numerous difficulties.

Most of them live in makeshift rental housing with inadequate living conditions, working in physically demanding jobs, struggling with language barriers, and facing limited access to education and healthcare. Some have been arrested and prosecuted by the Royal Thai Police for illegal residency.

Since 2020, the provincial government has actively promoted voluntary repatriation, resulting in 42 individuals returning to Vietnam to reunite with their families.

The letter reassures returnees that despite their previous legal violations concerning immigration, they will not face administrative or criminal sanctions upon coming back to their hometown.

Instead, they will receive initial essential supplies and support in accessing employment opportunities and economic development assistance to stabilize their lives.

The letter emphasizes solidarity and the motto "leave no one behind." The Dak Lak Provincial People’s Committee urges all undocumented residents in Thailand to voluntarily repatriate to Vietnam.

Local authorities and law enforcement agencies will ensure equal treatment, offer support, and help them reunite with their families and reintegrate into the community. Families and individuals are encouraged to contact local authorities or the communal police for guidance and assistance.

Hai Duong