The IOM 2025 Business Roundtable aims to chart practical strategies for supporting Vietnam’s internal migrant workers. (Source: IOM)

The roundtable aims to chart practical strategies for supporting Vietnam’s internal migrant workers in preparation for the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU CS3D).

Internal migrant workers are highly visible in Vietnam’s key export sectors, including electronics, textiles, and footwear. According to the General Statistics Office, in 2023, Vietnam had over 774,500 internal migrants aged 15 and above, with nearly 74% active in the labour force.

At the event, Chief of Mission at IOM Vietnam Kendra Rinas pointed out that many companies know there are internal migrant workers in their supply chains, but understanding their needs and realities often remains a blind spot, especially when workers come from ethnic minority backgrounds.

“That’s why practical, participatory approaches to due diligence are so important: they help businesses move from uncertainty to action, uncovering risks and opportunities that traditional audits often miss”, she said.

Ambassador of Sweden to Vietnam Johan Ndisi assessed that Vietnam is playing an increasingly important role in global supply chains, and with that comes both opportunities and responsibilities. “Preparing for new global standards such as the EU CS3D offers Vietnamese companies a chance to strengthen their competitiveness and demonstrate leadership in responsible business”, he added.

The roundtable discussions highlighted clear business benefits to adopting ethical recruitment and fair employment practices and proactively engaging with internal migrant workers. Companies that adopt ethical recruitment and fair employment practices can stay ahead of regulations like the EU CS3D, reduce compliance risks, and strengthen their workforce through higher retention and lower turnover costs. These actions also enhance brand reputation, building trust with buyers, investors, and consumers.

For his part, Chargé d’affaires a.i at the EU Delegation to Vietnam Rafael de Bustamante said: “The CS3D introduces mandatory due diligence and sustainability reporting requirements for large Vietnamese companies trading with the EU in order to ensure the implementation of internationally recognized standards on responsible business conduct. The directive also aims to protect vulnerable groups, including internal migrant workers, by holding companies accountable for human rights and addressing potential issues throughout their value chains and suppliers”.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Ho Chi Minh City Bui Thi Ninh stated: “For the first time, there is a workshop that delves deeply into the subject of internal labour migration, especially in the context of Vietnam facing a labour shortage. Ensuring proper care and implementing policies related to internal migrant workers will help stabilize the labour market and address many labour challenges.”

Building on the insights shared at the roundtable, IOM is developing practical guidance to help businesses in Vietnam integrate internal migrant workers into their due diligence processes. This guidance, shaped by the recommendations and feedback from participating companies and experts, will be released in 2026, ensuring it reflects real-world challenges and solutions for Vietnam’s business community.