How can foreigners seek help during COVID-19 pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is running a program to provide support for both local residents and foreigners during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Grassroots Assistance Program was officially launched by the Vietnam Youth Federation of Ho Chi Minh City, in coordination with the municipal Department of External Relations, the city’s Union of Friendship Organizations, and some partners, on Saturday.

Running from August 28 to September 15, the program is aimed at helping Vietnamese citizens and foreigners who are working, studying, or stranded in the city due to the pandemic, according to the Vietnam Youth Federation of Ho Chi Minh City.

It also supports frontline workers at local quarantine centers and COVID-19 treatment facilities by providing them with medical supplies, meals, and essential goods.

Those who need help from the Grassroots Assistance Program can contact the hotline 0866 699 473 or register at https://bit.ly/SupportForeigner.

Foreign individuals experiencing hardship will be given a package of essential goods, including rice, instant noodles, soy sauce, and canned food, worth VND300,000 (US$13), after their information is verified.

Each of them will also receive VND1.5 million ($66), which will be transferred to their bank account on two occasions with a 15-day interval.

The program will help them purchase some necessities, provide health consultation, and assist them in finding jobs, which depends on each individual’s ability and need.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 patients in the city will be given a similar essential good package along with a seven-day medicine regimen as prescribed by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health.