Vietnamese Returnees from U.S. Offered Aid

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Vietnamese authorities have welcomed hundreds of deported citizens back home from the U.S., Cambodia, and other countries in early 2026. These individuals have been provided with residency support, identification papers, medical care, and temporary housing. Ho Chi Minh City's immigration division coordinated operations to receive 33 deportees from the U.S. at Noi Bai International Airport in May alone.

Get today's headlines by email

Earlier, in March, 34 residents of Ho Chi Minh City were deported by the U.S. for legal and residency issues. The Ministry of Public Security reported that in the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam received 138 deportees, primarily from the U.S. and Cambodia. Over the five months, the total count rose into the hundreds, dominated by returnees from these two countries.

In the U.S., more than 15,000 Southeast Asian refugees are living under final removal orders. The accelerated deportations have prompted legislative responses, such as the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act introduced in Congress. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, a crackdown on online scam compounds has led to mass deportations, including many Vietnamese nationals who were victims of trafficking.

Vietnamese trafficking victims were often misled by job ads, only to have their passports taken and be forced into scam operations. In response, Vietnamese police have disrupted smuggling routes and rescued citizens from labor camps. Ho Chi Minh City's police focus on reintegration for returnees, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources for a stable transition.

For those without living arrangements, temporary accommodations and social services are organized by local authorities. The Immigration Department urges Vietnamese abroad to adhere to local laws, cautioning against illegal migration and the use of fraudulent documents.

Join the discussion?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 14 May 2026