Vietnamese citizens abroad who are struggling financially or facing life-threatening diseases such as cancer, paralysis or serious injuries from accidents will soon be able to get financial aid from the Fund for Assisting Overseas Vietnamese Citizens and Legal Entities.

Under the Finance Ministry's newly-issued regulations on financial management for the fund, Vietnamese citizens requiring protection from war, natural disasters, epidemics and terrorism will also be able to claim financial support from the fund.

It is also designed to help trafficked women and children return home.

With an initial investment of VND20 billion (US$952,000) from the State budget, the fund will offer support abroad by paying for essential transport, food, medical expenses and temporary accommodation. It will also cover the cost of tickets home.

All Vietnamese people living abroad are eligible for the support, excluding those who have bought local insurance.

The new regulations will take effect from October this year.

After being set up in 2007, the first act of the fund was to assist 108 Vietnamese fishermen arrested in Indonesia in their bid to return home.

All individuals and organisations inside and outside the country are invited to raise money for the fund.

Source: VNA