Latest news with #SVEC
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Vietnam launches 5-year visa waiver for top global talent; Indians eligible
Vietnam is opening its doors to top foreign professionals with a new long-term visa exemption, but only for those who meet a strict set of criteria. On August 8, 2025, the government issued Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP, launching the Special Visa Exemption Card (SVEC) scheme. The policy takes effect from August 15 and offers a visa waiver card — in both digital and physical formats — valid for multiple entries and up to five years in certain cases. Indians can apply too, but this isn't a blanket visa-free pass for all passport holders. It's reserved for individuals whose skills, achievements, or influence can directly contribute to Vietnam's socio-economic growth. What is the Special Visa Exemption Card? The SVEC is aimed at foreign nationals whose work, expertise, or influence is expected to benefit Vietnam. Holders can enter and leave the country multiple times during its validity. The card is issued for a maximum of five years, but it must expire at least 30 days before the passport does. Those nominated by authorised agencies for development purposes can also apply for a Level 2 electronic identification (e-ID) account. Why is it being introduced? For applicants, the SVEC removes the hassle of frequent visa renewals and supports long-term collaborations. For Vietnam, it's a way to bring in global expertise, attract foreign investment, and build its profile in innovation, culture, and tourism. Who can apply? Under Decree 221, eligibility covers a wide range of high-profile individuals, including: • Senior leaders from foreign governments, parliaments, international organisations, and supreme judicial bodies • Renowned scientists, professors, researchers, scholars, chief engineers, and technology experts from respected institutions • CEOs and executives from globally recognised corporations with cultural or brand influence • Investors, entrepreneurs, and senior executives driving socio-economic growth • Influential cultural, arts, sports, and tourism personalities with international reach How to apply Applications must be filed by a competent agency or organisation — either in person or online — with the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. The application needs a written request and a copy of the passport's information page. Processing steps: 1. The Immigration Department reviews the application and issues a digital SVEC (Form NC-01). 2. The requesting agency is informed of: • Access to the digital SVEC (Form NB-01), or • Issuance of the physical chip-embedded card (Form NC-02), or • Reasons for rejection. Processing times: • High-level state guests: Within 3 working days • Scholars, experts, investors, cultural/sports/tourism figures, honorary consuls, and approved invitees: Within 5 working days • Physical chip-embedded card: Within 7 working days Entry rules for SVEC holders Each entry allows a 90-day temporary stay. If the card's validity is less than 90 days, the stay period matches the remaining validity. At the border, travellers must present both their passport and the SVEC for inspection. When can the card be revoked? The Immigration Department can cancel an SVEC if the holder no longer meets the requirements or if an authorised agency requests its withdrawal.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Petersburg Rotary Clubs team up, present $14K to Southside Virginia Emergency Crew
PETERSBURG — Southside Virginia Emergency Crew [SVEC] received a special monetary gift. An enormous, $14,000 check was presented to SVEC on March 12 from the two Rotary Clubs of Petersburg, Luncheon and Breakfast. Proceeds from the 17th annual Rotary Golf Tournament made the donation possible. It was held last year at Dogwood Trace Golf Course in Petersburg. "Our annual golf tournament is a major fundraiser for both of the Petersburg Rotary Clubs. The annual event benefits Southside Virginia Emergency Crew as well as other nonprofits and charitable organizations in Petersburg," Rick Maddux, Rotary Club of Petersburg, Breakfast Club president, said. "SVEC is Petersburg's primary ambulance service and is dedicated to providing emergency treatment and transportation services for the citizens of Petersburg and surrounding communities. We look forward to continuing our partnership with SVEC next year." All are invited: Free fruits, veggies Petersburg: Free Community Health Fair, vaccinations, immunizations, health screenings The annual golf tournament fundraiser helps SVEC purchase updated equipment and state of the art vehicles. According to Rotary Club member Jimbo VanLandingham, the tournament was made possible by Poplar Springs Hospital, the major sponsor, as well as many other community donations and support. "Thirty four-person, teams participated along with dozens of volunteers, VanLandingham, the golf tournament chair, said. "Fun was had by all for this very worthy cause." The 18th annual Petersburg Rotary Golf Tournament is scheduled to take place at Dogwood Trace Golf Course on Monday, September 15 this year. "Southside Virginia Emergency Crew is grateful for the generosity of both the Petersburg Rotary Clubs. With their support, SVEC was able to provide much needed medical equipment in our new ambulance which will better serve the EMS needs in the city of Petersburg," Jennifer Lewis, Director of Operations for SVEC, said. Inspired by her own journey Petersburg: Mobile MoJo on the road, new coffee shop opens soon, CBD-infused drinks, foods According to Lewis, SVEC runs 10,000 EMS calls annually and provides Advanced Life Support care to help better serve Petersburg families with the best emergency medical care possible. "The Rotary Club of Petersburg is proud to support the Southside Virginia Emergency Crew with this donation. Their dedication to saving lives and serving our community embodies the very spirit of 'Service Above Self.' We are honored to contribute to their mission and ensure they have the resources needed to continue their vital work," Kristal Moore Clemons, Ph.D., Rotary Club of Petersburg, Luncheon Club president, said. "We are grateful for the support of Petersburg Rotary Clubs in addition to other community donors that have supported SVEC since 1945," Lewis said. SVEC is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. The combination career and volunteer Emergency Medical Services organization is located at 425 Graham Road in Petersburg. For more information about SVEC, visit Visit Rotary Club of Petersburg, VA - Lunch on Facebook and visit to learn more about the Rotary Clubs' good deeds. Under age 18, free vendor space Farmers market in Petersburg a blend of arts, produce, culture: What to know Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@ follow @KHiggins_PI on X and @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram. Your support is vital to local journalism. Please . This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg: Southside Virginia Emergency Crew gets $14,000 donation
