THE HANOI TIMES — Changes to work permit policies in Vietnam are being sought to attract more highly skilled foreign professionals, particularly in advanced and emerging industries.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is drafting a new decree setting out the requirements and processes for issuing, renewing, and revoking work permits, as well as exemptions for certain categories of foreign workers.

This move is in response to the growing demand for talent in high-tech fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation. It is part of Vietnam's strategy to make it a competitive hub for global investment in these areas.

According to current regulations, employers can only recruit foreign workers to fill managerial, executive, expert or technical roles if local workers are unavailable, as set out in Article 152 of the Labor Code.

Therefore, the ministry recommended exempting foreign investors and experts, considered high-quality human resources, from the labor demand requirement. These individuals could get work permits or be exempted from certificates to avoid the lengthy justification process currently required by employers.

The ministry stated that Vietnam’s legal system regarding foreign labor is generally well-established and has played a vital role in attracting overseas talent. However, new policies are needed to reduce permit issuance time and align with the fast-paced demand.

By the end of 2024, nearly 162,000 foreign workers were employed in Vietnam. Of those, approximately 12,800 were exempt from work permits. 

Foreign workers in Vietnam hail from approximately 110 countries, with the largest groups coming from China, South Korea, and Japan. Men make up 83.1% of the foreign labor force, 86% of whom are 30 years of age or older.

The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that the current foreign labor regulatory framework is sound and able to respond to increasing international integration and diplomatic relations. The next step will be refining legal mechanisms to attract top professionals, support business operations, and fill gaps in Vietnam’s skilled labor market.