Vietnam approved an amended labor code, which came into effect in January 2021. The amendment to the labor regulations is a step toward aligning with international labor standards, particularly as Vietnam integrates into the world economy as noted by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Most of the code remains the same. However, changes have been introduced to probationary employment, mandatory work rules, notice requirements, and other provisions generally favorable to employees.

Below are key aspects of the amended labor code.

Key Provisions

Working hours: While the working hour limit remains the same at 48 hours per week, the new code states that normal working hours cannot exceed eight hours a day or 48 hours per week. However, if the employer and employee agree on an overtime deal, the overtime cannot exceed 12 hours a day, 40 hours a month, and 200 hours a year. For industries such as textile and clothing, footwear, and electronics, in which seasonal orders during certain times of the year require an extensive workload, an overtime cap of 300 hours has been specified.

Labor contracts: The amended labor code now lists only two types of labor contracts as compared to three:

1. Definite-term contracts, which cannot have a term longer than three years and can only be renewed once
2. Indefinite-term contracts

Foreigners who have work permits (valid for two years) will also be able to renew only once. Seasonal contracts will no longer be permitted from 2021.

Termination: Employees will be able to immediately terminate a contract for mistreatment, pregnancy, and if the employer fails to pay salary on time. As per the current labor policy, employees are subject to minimum notice requirements (30 days for definite term, 45 days for indefinite term).

Unions: Vietnam will now allow independent trade unions to operate as opposed to currently being supervised by the state-run Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL). The independent union will still be required to get permission from state authorities to operate. This is partly seen as Vietnam enters into free trade agreements, which require the opening of trade union rights. Nevertheless, further guidance will be required on how this will happen practically.

Retirement age: Vietnam will also increase the retirement age for men to 62 from the current 60 and for women to 55 from the current 50. However, workers may retire later or sooner depending on the situation. For example, employees working in dangerous environments or involved in heavy lifting can retire sooner, while those who work in the private sector or in highly-skilled jobs can retire later. The maximum extension for this will be five years. However, the increase in retirement age will be done gradually for men and women by 2028 and 2035, respectively. The increase in retirement age was enacted to avoid a labor shortage from 2040 and to address social insurance deficits.

Discrimination: The new code has safeguards protecting employees from discrimination at the workplace. This includes protection from sexual harassment and discrimination based on skin color, race, nationality, ethnic group, gender, marital status, pregnancy, political views, disability, HIV status, or if in a trade group. The amended labor code also enhances protections for younger workers.

Other Changes

The government will not regulate salary policies at individual companies that are negotiated between the employer and employees; however, rules on minimum wages must be followed.

Employees will be entitled to an additional day off either before or after September 2—the Vietnamese National Day.

Decree 145—Implementing the Labor Code

To help implementation, the government issued Decree 145/2020/ND-CP (Decree 145) on guiding the implementation of the Vietnam Labor Code, which took effect 1 February 2021.

While the decree is several pages long, the following are some key points:

• Sexual harassment: The decree is more specific on sexual harassment guidelines in the workplace. This includes any form of sexual harassment including physical, verbal, or non-verbal harassment such as body language and display of sexual activity directly or electronically. The workplace has also been defined to include anywhere the employee works, including work-related locations such as social activities, workshops, business trips, phone conversations, vehicles, and so on.
• Labor supervision: Once a company begins operations, the employer must make a labor-management book at the head office, branch, or representative office about basic information on employees. Any changes to labor must be reported every six months to the labor department.
• Termination of labor contract: For unilateral termination, employers must give prior notice of at least 120 days for labor contracts with an indefinite term or a fixed-term contract of 12 months or more. For labor contracts of less than 12 months, prior notice of at least a quarter of the term of the contract must be given.
• Overtime: Employee consent must be obtained if the employer plans overtime work in regard to the term and locations.
• Female employees: Female employees who have children under 12 months of age will be allowed to take a 60-minute break every day from work to breastfeed or pump. Female employees will also be allowed a 30-minute break during their menstruation period. The number of days can be agreed upon by both parties but must be a minimum of three working days per month.

If female employees do not have time to take the breaks and are allowed to keep working, the employer is required to pay additional wages for the work, which is separate from overtime pay.

Going Forward

The amended labor code will help Vietnam match international standards as it becomes a part of several free trade agreements, including the European Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The new code will have an impact on businesses, and employers should seek to obtain assistance with regard to their labor practices to ensure their policies are legally compliant in 2021.

Note: This article was originally published by Vietnam Briefing in December 2019, and has been updated to include the latest developments.

This article was originally published September 10, 2020. It was last updated on December 29, 2020.

This article was first published by Vietnam Briefing, which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, India, and Russia. Readers may write to [email protected] for more support.