The Vietnamese government is drafting a new decree that could significantly reduce work permit processing times for foreign professionals—from the current 36 days down to just 10. This move comes as the country faces a growing number of foreigners working without valid permits.
According to official data, Vietnam had nearly 162,000 foreign workers by the end of 2024, but more than 12,000 were working without a work permit. This issue has raised concerns among both employers and regulators, especially as Vietnam looks to attract more global talent for its fast-developing sectors like semiconductors, AI, and digital transformation.
Related: Employment & Labor Services for expats in Vietnam
Under the proposed changes, foreign experts working in key areas—such as technology, finance, science, and innovation—may be eligible for a work permit with only a university degree, even without prior work experience. This could make it easier for younger professionals and those from non-traditional backgrounds to work legally in Vietnam.
Permits could also be granted based on validations from the Ministry of Education and Training or the Ministry of Science and Technology, and in exceptional cases, the government may bypass regular procedures entirely with special approval.
Employers Back the Reform—but Seek Clarity
The initiative has been well-received by foreign companies operating in Vietnam. Manpower Vietnam, a leading HR firm, said the reform could help reduce project delays caused by administrative bottlenecks.
However, the company emphasized the need for clearer guidelines. For example, it remains unclear whether applicants must have degrees specifically related to their job titles or how to handle qualifications from internationally renowned institutions that don’t use the term “university”—such as King’s College London.
There’s also a call for more flexibility in recognizing work experience, especially in innovation and digital management roles where many professionals have unconventional career paths.
Urgent Need for Skilled Expats
Companies like LITEON Vietnam highlight that domestic talent in high-tech fields is still developing. “Vietnam needs foreign professionals to support training, knowledge transfer, and global integration,” said HR Manager Henry Chien. “Simplifying visa and work permit procedures is critical.”
Foreign workers in Vietnam mainly come from China (31%), South Korea (18%), and Japan (9.5%), according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
As Vietnam moves to tighten labor compliance while maintaining an open stance for skilled expats, the proposed reforms could offer much-needed relief for both foreign professionals and their employers.
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Source: Vietnam Insider