22-8-2023 (HANOI) Vietnam is considering a proposal to streamline the recruitment of highly skilled foreign workers for positions that local workers may not be qualified for, according to reports from local media citing the Ministry of Labor-Invalids and Social Affairs.
Under the proposal, either the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or the People’s Committees of provinces and cities would oversee the management of foreign laborers working in their respective areas, including the issuance of work permits, Vietnam News reported.
The first option would involve employers applying for work permits for foreign workers through a single agency, namely the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. In the second option, the provincial or municipal People’s Committee would delegate a local agency to handle foreign worker management.
Representatives from companies like Coway Vina Co. Ltd. have expressed support for the first option, as it would streamline the work permit application process, saving time and costs for foreign workers.
Currently, depending on their job roles, foreign workers seeking work permits in Vietnam are required to register with either the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs in their respective work locations.
The Ministry’s proposal also suggests that a foreign expert would only need relevant experience and a university degree to be eligible for a work permit, without the degree necessarily being directly related to their specific work position in Vietnam.
According to Ministry statistics as of June 2023, there are approximately 121,288 foreign workers employed in Vietnam.
The proposal reflects Vietnam’s aim to attract and facilitate the entry of highly skilled foreign workers to contribute to its growing economy and address labor shortages in certain specialized fields. By simplifying the work permit application process and broadening the eligibility criteria, the country seeks to enhance its competitiveness and promote international cooperation.
The consideration of these measures highlights Vietnam’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and fostering economic development through the recruitment of foreign expertise while ensuring adequate protection for local workers and complying with relevant labor regulations.
As the proposal moves forward, discussions and consultations will likely take place to address potential challenges and gather feedback from stakeholders. The government will continue to assess the impact of these proposed changes and work towards implementing effective policies that strike a balance between attracting foreign talent and safeguarding the interests of the domestic workforce.
