Among the most notable reforms is the shortening of the visa-free certificate processing time from two working days to just one. Additionally, applicants can now submit their documents through postal services.

The Prime Minister approved the streamlining of administrative procedures related to seven key sectors: journalism, privileges and immunities, international conferences and seminars, bilateral cooperation research organizations, visa exemptions, immigration, and notarization services.

As part of the reform, the government has introduced online processing via the National Public Service Portal and shortened the time required for various procedures. These include establishing permanent offices for foreign media agencies in Vietnam, assigning resident correspondents to various provinces, and issuing journalism activity permits for non-resident foreign journalists in Vietnam.

The time required to issue visa-free certificates at Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad has been reduced from two working days to one. Moreover, foreign nationals can now submit visa applications via postal services to Vietnamese visa-issuing authorities abroad.

Notarization times have also been improved. The process to authenticate and verify the legality of contracts and transactions has been reduced from two working days to within 24 hours. For complex contracts and transactions, the time limit has been shortened from 10 days to six working days.

In another important move, the Prime Minister has authorized the use of digital signatures and digital seals for submitting applications for diplomatic and official passports at domestic offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

These decisions demonstrate the government's strong commitment to administrative reform, accelerating digital transformation, and creating more favorable conditions for both citizens and organizations - domestic and international - when accessing public services.

Thanh Hue