Strengthening the Government of Viet Nam’s Approach to Consular Crisis Management

Despite the successful evacuation of Vietnamese labour migrants from Libya in 2011, the Government of Viet Nam has limited capacity to respond effectively to the various forms of consular crises involving Vietnamese abroad as well as foreign nationals in Viet Nam. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including a lack of resources to adequately assess a crisis situation and communicate effectively with stakeholders, and a lack of coordination and understanding among government agencies about their respective roles and responsibilities in responding to crises.

This project will contribute to more effective government responses to the different types of crisis that may confront Vietnamese nationals abroad or foreign nationals in Viet Nam. The project has two inter-related outcomes:

1. An improved consular crisis mechanism, which facilitates timely and coherent responses to the protection needs of Vietnamese citizens abroad and foreign citizens in Viet Nam.
2. Improved capacity of consular staff and officials posted abroad to deliver consular services to migrants in times of crisis.