Getting by in a Corrupt Vietnam

Symbiosis between local authorities and small businesses benefits both sides

In early 2020, a landlady who prefers to be known only as Hằng started renting rooms to 40 students in Tân Bình district of Ho Chi Minh city. Of course, she needed permits, one per student. To get them, Hằng was required to apply at local police stations on her tenants' behalf. She remembers making several trips to the local police station to complete t…