Vietnam has recently made significant strides toward improving how citizens access online services with the introduction of various applications, particularly the updates to Zalo and the VNeID application. These enhancements aim to streamline processes for users, ensuring their ability to access important services without the risk of losing data.
The Zalo messaging application is now enabling users to log in on two devices simultaneously without technically needing to log out of the previous one. This feature offers increased flexibility for individuals who rely heavily on Zalo for communication and could use one device for personal and another for work. According to the guidelines from Zalo, previously, users could only log one account on one mobile device at a time. If they attempted to log onto Zalo from another mobile device, the first device would automatically log out.
To utilize Zalo on multiple devices, users are advised to log on using both the mobile app and the web platform. The process begins when users access their Google Chrome app on their secondary mobile phones. For Android users, they should select the extension button at the top of the screen and scroll down to enable the "Desktop site" option. For iPhone users, the process involves using Google Chrome to visit any webpage and then clicking on the three dots located at the bottom of the screen to request the desktop site.
Once they have accessed the site chat.zalo.me, users can log in using either their phone number or QR code. An approval notification will appear on the first device, where they need to confirm the login action to complete the process. With these steps, Zalo on the secondary mobile device can be successfully logged in without logging out of the primary device.
Before performing the dual log-in, it is important for users to synchronize their account settings first. This synchronization prevents potential data loss, ensuring messages and other information are preserved across devices. The synchronization process is undertaken directly within the Zalo application settings, under the ‘Backup and Restore’ section.
On another front, the Vietnamese government has also upgraded the VNeID application aimed at improving e-identification and residency registration processes. The latest version, 2.1.15, has introduced new features allowing users to apply for temporary residency online. This initiative indicates the government’s commitment to utilizing technology to provide citizens with easier access to necessary urban services.
To register for temporary residency through the VNeID application, citizens must first log their account, select ‘Administrative Procedures,’ and then proceed to apply for temporary residency. A new registration request can be created either for oneself or on behalf of someone else.
Users will need to confirm the registration type, either as creating new household registrations or adding themselves to existing ones. The application simplifies document submission by allowing individuals to scan QR codes from their national identification cards to auto-fill forms required for the process, making it more efficient and reducing chances for error.
Once all information is filled out, users confirm the details before submitting their request, which they may choose to receive through email or directly at their local police station. Supportive documentation confirming legal residence must also be attached, such as rental contracts or ownership papers. For those utilizing the VNeID verification method, these uploads can be skipped.
While the application process is free for certain demographic groups, such as children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations, there is a standard fee of 7,000 VND for most citizens. The procedural upgrades, alongside user-oriented features like QR code usage, demonstrate significant improvements over previous systems.
This dual development for both Zalo and VNeID showcases the Vietnamese government’s push toward greater digital integration, promoting convenience and efficiency for residents as they navigate services from their local municipalities. Access to these technologies is becoming increasingly important for enhancing the societal interaction between citizens and their governance structures, making for more accessible and responsive civic services.