Over 60% of Japanese Businesses based in Vietnam are considering repatriating their staff due to Covid

NHK the Japanese website has learned that a survey of Japanese businesses operating in Vietnam, shows more than 60 percent of them are considering repatriating their staff, amid a surge in coronavirus infections in the Southeast Asian country.

Japanese Factory in Vietnam 

Authorities in Vietnam have imposed strict anti-infection measures since late April in the southern city of Ho Chi Minh, where Japanese firms are concentrated.

The survey conducted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ho Chi Minh City asked member firms about their repatriation plans.

Four-hundred and seventy-five businesses, or nearly a half of the total, responded.

Three-hundred and fourteen firms, or 66 percent of respondents, are considering either temporarily or permanently bringing home their Japanese employees and their families.

Around half the staff and their families of the 314 firms are heading to Japan to receive vaccinations, while 30 percent will evacuate.

Many respondents expressed concern about the local healthcare system.

One said sanitary conditions and medical care are of a lower standard than in Japan, adding that many people also fear being taken away by authorities against their will. Another said their children's lives are at risk.

Mizushima Kozo, the head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says many Japanese had chosen to remain in Vietnam to avoid shutting down a key part of the global supply chain.

If Covid Worsens Supply Chains will be affected.

But he said those people may repatriate if the situation worsens, and this could adversely affect the operations of manufacturers around the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210807_10/