The Vietnamese government has taken a significant step toward modernizing and regulating its domestic labor market by introducing comprehensive rules for foreign employers. Under the newly enacted decree, foreign organizations, diplomatic missions, and international bodies operating within the country must adhere to strict guidelines when hiring local Vietnamese workers.
Scope of the New Decree
The regulatory framework applies broadly to all foreign entities employing local citizens in Vietnam. This includes foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations, and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) registered legally within the country. The initiative is designed to ensure complete transparency and compliance with local employment standards.
Mandatory Public Listing on National Job Exchange
Under the new provisions, whenever foreign organizations require local staff, they must formally notify the designated management agency. Crucially, employers are now required to publicly advertise these job openings on Vietnam's official national job exchange platform (vieclam.gov.vn) or other authorized employment portals. This ensures equal opportunity and fair access for local job seekers.
Strict Timelines for Contract and Documentation
The regulations also enforce strict reporting timelines. Within ten working days of signing an employment contract with a Vietnamese worker, the foreign organization must officially notify the managing agency with complete details, including the employee's identification number, designated position, and commencement date. Similarly, the employed worker is also mandated to submit their personnel management files within the same timeframe.
Scheduled to take effect on November 15, 2026, this decree replaces older regulatory frameworks, paving the way for a more streamlined, digital, and transparent labor ecosystem in Vietnam.
