Vietnam gets tough on foreign workers

Chuyen was responding to lawmakers of the National Assembly Standing Committee, who raised concerns about managing foreign workers in Vietnam.

Minister Chuyen proposed tough measures against foreigners working illegally in Vietnam

She said the Government issued a decree in 2008 which specifies the responsibilities of individuals and organisations for managing foreign workers in the country.

The MOLISA’s task is to direct provincial and municipal departments of labour to inspect, monitor and manage organisations that employ foreigners in their localities, she said.

She suggested re-examining the decree which stipulates that those working in Vietnam for less than three months do not need to register for work permits. In addition, organisations that employ foreign workers must register them with the provincial and municipal departments of labour seven days before they begin working.

In fact, the regulations have not been observed in many localities, and the number of unskilled foreign workers being hired has increased considerably.  

A MOLISA report shows that a total of 77,087 foreigners from more than 60 countries and territories are currently working in Vietnam. However, the Ministry of Public Security puts the figure at 78,440, showing an increase of six percent against 2011.

According to the law, businesses with less than 500 workers are allowed to hire foreign workers if they cannot find enough local workers with 30 days, and those with more than 500 workers can employ foreigners if they fail to recruit enough local workers within 60 days.

Foreigners must register with the local administration before working in Vietnam

Moreover, some foreigners take advantage of loopholes in the 2008 government decree to shuttle back and forth between Vietnam and their home countries every three months.

Minister Chuyen said the MOLISA has asked provincial and municipal departments of labour to keep a tight grip on the situation and deal with violations. However, measures taken have yet to meet expectations.

She proposed that fines be handed down to organisations that hire foreign workers and break Vietnamese laws.

Deputy Minister of Public Security To Lam took the floor, pointing out weaknesses in managing foreign workers in Vietnam. He said a large number of foreigners have been hired to work for foreign contractors in the country. Some are still waiting for permits due to a lack of personal papers, and some have entered Vietnam for travel purposes, but stayed longer for working.

Most of these foreign workers also violate visa and residence regulations, said Lam.

He admitted that it is difficult for the police to deal with the matter, especially because those coming from Africa have no representative agencies in Vietnam.

Lam said his ministry has decentralised the management of foreign workers at the grassroots level, including residential areas, factories, and enterprises to ensure security and social order.