The Government has issued a decree stipulating preferential policies for scientists in a bid to attract more overseas Vietnamese and foreign science and technology researchers to Vietnam.

Decree 87/2014/ND-CP foresees specific support measures for individuals whose patented inventions, plant varieties or research can be applied in Vietnam, benefiting the country’s development of science and technology.

Assistance will also be provided for PostDocs, faculty members from prestigious academic institutions, and advisors to international cooperation projects outside of Vietnam.

The scientists and their family members will be granted a multi-entry visa to Vietnam or a resident card in accordance with the country’s law. Similar support for overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts will also be considered.

In addition, they will also benefit from a number of preferential policies, including on recruitment, wages, accommodation and work conditions.

They will also be eligible for leading posts in scientific and technological institutions and projects, and will benefit from a shortened work permit procedure.

The decree will become effective on November 10 this year.-VNA