HCMC, 7th September 2016

The opening ceremony for the newly expanded and renovated Canadian Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) was held by IOM on Wednesday 7th September 2016.

Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Stephane Dion, cut the ribbon. Also attending were Canada's Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. David Devine; Canada's Consul General in HCMC, Mr. Richard Bale; and other senior Canadian Consular staff. Representing IOM were the Head of the HCMC Office, Mr. Mark Brown; the Head of HCMC Migrant Services, Mr. Alec Clouth; and CVAC staff from Hanoi and HCMC. Around thirty Vietnamese television and print journalists documented the ceremony.

Mr. Clouth gave some brief remarks on IOM, CVAC, and the expansion and renovation. Mr. Dion spoke to the press about the success of Canada as an increasingly popular destination for Vietnamese tourists, students and businesswomen and men. Mr. Dion also held a press conference, answering questions from the press about his visit.

The CVAC in HCMC is operated by IOM, in partnership with VFS. The number of applicants has increased significantly year by year since operations began in late-2013. The renovation project doubled the waiting area, added extra submissions desks, and increased back-office space. The renovations will increase client comfort, and improve processing efficiency and speed.