Gov’t responds to Ebola threat in Vietnam

Gov’t responds to Ebola threat in Vietnam

(VOV) – At present, an estimated 23 Vietnamese guest workers are working in Ebola-stricken countries in West Africa.

In the context of the increasingly uphill battle to combat the virus, the Overseas Labour Management Department under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has asked enterprises with staff in the region to follow strict safety procedures before, during and after their assignment.

Deputy Director General of the Overseas Labour Management Department Tong Hai Nam, granted an interview to a VOV reporter on the issue.

VOV: What measures is the department taking to protect Vietnamese guest workers abroad?

Mr. Nam: Since the World Health Organization (WHO) and Vietnam Ministry of Health (MoH) first issued a warning regarding the Ebola epidemic, MoLISA has directed the Overseas Labour Management Department to closely monitor Vietnamese guest workers in all African nations.

Deputy Director General of the Overseas Labour Management Department Tong Hai Nam

The Prime Minister also sent a telegram to enterprises with guest workers in the region asking them to refrain from sending workers to the high risk areas, particularly those countries hardest hit by the epidemic.

At the same time, he requested businesses to closely monitor those who are working in the Ebola infected areas.

MoLISA also asked enterprises to provide workers with information on precautionary measures and guidance on what to do in the event they suspect they have been infected .

If workers show any symptoms of the Ebola virus they should immediately inform their employers and seek appropriate medical care. Secondarily they should contact the nearest Vietnam Embassy or diplomatic agency of the government and report the incident.

VOV: What assistance is the State providing to those guest workers who desire to return to the homeland?

Mr. Nam: In all situations where an employer sends Vietnamese guest workers abroad it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the workers are safely returned to the homeland in the event of war, natural disasters or epidemics of this nature.

If guest workers want to return home, they should contact their employer, the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or any of the diplomatic agencies of the government for assistance.

VOV: If guest workers continue to work abroad, how can your Department ensure the safety of workers?

Mr. Nam: According to statistics from MoLISA, of the six West African nations at the centre of the epidemic there are approximately 23 Vietnamese guest workers still working in the Republic of Congo.

We are directing enterprises to contact their guest workers, inform them of the dangers and give them an option to return home. If guest workers want to return home, the employers should provide the necessary assistance to them.

Moreover, the Department has also directed enterprises to co-ordinate with Vietnam’s diplomatic representative agencies abroad and the Vietnam Labour Management Committee to monitor the development of the disease and make timely reports to the MoLISA.

At the same time, MoLISA will continue to provide guest workers with timely information on the epidemic so they can feel safe when working abroad.

VOV: Thank you very much.

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