Here are Vietnam’s statutory updates for 2024.
Effective July 2024
Ministry Proposes New Decree on Regional Minimum Wage
The Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA) has recommended the Government issue a new decree on the regional minimum wage, effective from July 1.
The proposal suggests a 6 percent average increase in all four regions, equating to approximately VND 200,000-280,000. This adjustment aims to address the challenges faced by workers in maintaining a minimum living standard for their families, given the projected 4-4.5 percent rise in the consumer price index this year.
Specifically, the proposed monthly minimum wage adjustments are as follows:
- Region I: from the current VND 4.68 million to VND 4.96 million.
- Region II: from VND 4.16 million to VND 4.41 million.
- Region III: from VND 3.64 million to VND 3.86 million.
- Region IV: from VND 3.25 million to VND 3.45 million.
Region I encompasses urban areas of Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, while Region II covers rural areas of these cities along with Can Tho, Da Nang, and Hai Phong. Region III includes provincial-level cities and districts of Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, and Vinh Phuc provinces, while Region IV comprises the rest of the country.
Source: VGP
Deadline for Semi-Annual Report on Foreign Nationals
Employers sponsoring foreign nationals in Vietnam must submit their first semi-annual report by July 5, 2024. The report should include foreign nationals working in Vietnam from December 15, 2023, to June 14, 2024. Failure to file the report may result in fines and delays in subsequent foreign labour demand or work permit applications.
Foreign nationals with pending work permits are not required to be included in the report if their applications are still pending by the deadline.
Source: Fragomen
Effective June 2024
New Approving Authority for Some Work Permit Application Types in Hanoi
Starting June 1, 2024, the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) in Hanoi will temporarily delegate authority for specific work permit applications to the respective People’s Committees.
This includes applications for Work Permit Exemptions for spouses of Vietnamese nationals, Work Permit re-issuances, and Work Permit renewals. After obtaining Job Position Approval from DOLISA, employers must submit applications to the relevant district, commune, or town People’s Committees in Hanoi, rather than to DOLISA.
This change may cause processing delays during its implementation. Other related processes remain unchanged.
This new system will be in place until December 31, 2024, but may be extended or adopted by other provinces in Vietnam.
Source: Fragomen
