The National Assembly has officially passed the amended Employment Law with strong backing-455 out of 459 members voted in favour. A key highlight of the revision is the broader inclusion of individuals eligible to contribute to unemployment insurance.
The amended Employment Law, passed with near-unanimous approval, contains 8 chapters and 55 articles—three fewer than the original draft tabled at the 9th legislative session. The changes mark a significant policy shift, with 12 new provision groups aimed at modernizing Vietnam’s labor landscape.
Key updates include increased government support for job creation, self-employment, and labor market transitions, as well as new policies promoting skill development in emerging sectors like science, innovation, digital transformation, and the green and circular economies.
The law also broadens access to low-interest credit for overseas job seekers and allows the government to expand eligibility based on socio-economic needs. Elderly workers will now benefit from dedicated employment support measures.
One of the most significant reforms is the expanded coverage of unemployment insurance. It now includes contract workers with terms of at least one month and part-time workers earning at or above the minimum wage for compulsory social insurance. Contributions will follow a flexible model: up to 1% each from employees, employers, and the state.
The revised law will come into effect on January 1, 2026.