Vietnam's government is advancing a series of reforms targeting social insurance and retirement policies, following public concerns about social welfare, retirement age and minimum wage.
On October 12, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued detailed responses outlining the country’s approach to labour rights and social protection, reflecting efforts to align economic realities with the needs of an aging population and workforce.
The move follows recommendations from voters in Quang Ngai province after the ninth session of the 15th National Assembly. Citizens urged the Ministry to review and update regulations on social insurance, retirement age, workers’ rights, and regional minimum wages.
The goal is to ensure that these policies evolve in step with Vietnam’s rapid socio-economic growth and provide a more comprehensive safety net for vulnerable populations.
Voters also called for updates to minimum wage policies. In response, Minister Tra announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing a decree to increase the regional minimum wage by an average of 7.2% from current levels, effective January 1, 2026.
The proposal, based on recommendations from the National Wage Council, is expected to be submitted to the government in October 2025.
Under the Labor Code, the minimum wage represents the lowest pay for workers performing the simplest jobs under standard conditions. It is intended to provide a basic standard of living for workers and their families while remaining aligned with the country’s economic growth.