Citing statistics from the World Bank, COVA said OVs in 2015 contributed US$13 billion to the national economy, ranking the nation as one of the top 10 countries receiving remittances— money sent home to help support family members.

In addition, OVs invested roughly US$20 billion in 2,000 business ventures in the homeland during 2015. In HCM City alone, OVs invested businesses have cumulatively registered funding of US$1.59 billion.

Nearly 1.35 million OVs returned to the homeland to visit their relatives during 2015, boosting tourism and more and more OVs are making the decision to permanently return to the homeland to live and raise their families.


Thanks to their knowledge and experience gained working abroad, upon their return, OVs had made unparalleled contributions to the national development in terms of advancing scientific and technological knowledge.

It is estimated that the number of OVs working in Ho Chi Minh City totals in the hundreds, including many professors, associated professors, and those possessing advanced doctoral and master’s degrees.

OVs serve as an important link to the world, says COVA and for the aforementioned reasons, the government should devise proper policies and measures to encourage their continual contribution to the homeland’s betterment.