Statistics from the Ministry of Labour , Invalids and Social Affairs ( MoLISA ) showed that as of early April, there were 101,550 foreign labourers working in Vietnam, of whom nearly 12 percent held managerial positions, over 8 percent were chief executive officers and 58 percent were experts. Most positions that firms were lacking are managers and experts for key projects.
During a dialogue with over 200 enterprises held by the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in April, businesses expressed concern over the requirement on overseas working experience for foreign workers.
On April 29, the foreign business community in Vietnam sent a document regarding difficulties related to foreign workers to the Government Office, the MoLISA, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Later on September 9, the Government issued Resolution 105 guiding the implementation of support measures for enterprises, cooperatives and business households amid COVID-19 pandemic, including easing several regulations and conditions on the grant, extension and confirmation of work permits for foreign workers in Vietnam, which is considered a practical solution.
According to the Deloitte Vietnam, the above resolution is considered a strong message from the Vietnamese Government to prepare to bring the economy back to normal soon. The new resolution comprises more open regulations on working experience, work permits, and passports of foreign workers.
Deloitte Vietnam believed that the relaxation of regulations and conditions will be highly welcomed by business community and will remove difficulties faced by firms.
Le Quang Trung, former Deputy Director of the MoLISA’s Employment Department, said the thing that needs to do now is to accelerate the application of information technology in granting licence, thus allowing firms with foreign workers and experts to carry out procedures online. Additionally, businesses also need to thoroughly study regulations regarding foreigners working in Vietnam in order to make adequate preparations./.
