Vietnamese Immigration

From 1 March 2025, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids & Social Affairs (MOLISA) and its local Departments of Labour (DOLISAs) has been folded into the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). While significant from a government streamlining perspective, the specific impacts to the work permit process so far appear to be minimal—although much is still yet to be seen. Some of the latest updates include:

• March 1, 2025: MOHA assumes the responsibility to manage foreign nationals working (i.e., work permit matters) in Vietnam.  The MOHA’s new organizational structure includes a Department of Employment (DOE) as well as a Department of Foreign Labour Management.
• March 2, 2025: With the restructuring, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has taken over responsibility for managing judicial record services, including the issuance of Police clearance Certificates (PCCs) for foreigners residing in Vietnam.  This change shifts PCC processing from the Justice Department to the city police authorities in HCMC and Hanoi.
• March 3, 2025: MOLISA’s one-stop service center was relocated to the Department of Employment (under the MOHA).
• March 3, 2025: Hanoi DOLISA’s one-stop service counter was relocated to the Public Administration Service Center.  Application forms for new submissions should be addressed to the DOHA (instead of DOLISA).  Some applications can now be submitted online (instead of physical submissions).
• March 5, 2025
  • • • Temporary suspension by the Department of Employment on any new submissions until further notice.  We expect the delay to last at least a few days, as the functions are transitioned from MOLISA to MOHA.
      • Applications that were previously submitted at the People’s Committee in Hanoi have not yet transitioned to the DOHA, nor have the People’s Committee received official orders from DOHA to continue to process the applications (thereby placing renewal, reissuance, and exemption applications temporarily on hold).
      • Applications for both Job Position Approval (JPA) and Work Permit Exemption Certificates (WPEC) no longer require physical submission after online filing, streamlining the initial application process for these applications.  JPA results will now be issued electronically with a digital signature, eliminating the need for applicants to collect them in person.  However, WPECs will still be issued in both electronic and physical form, and the physical document must be collected at a designated service counter.  Failure to retrieve the WPEC within 30 days may result in revocation, making timely collection essential.
      • Certain Work Permit forms must now be submitted to the DOHA instead of DOLISA, a procedural adjustment that may require the re-signing of documents.
• March 10, 2025: The People’s Committee in Hanoi has resumed accepting applications for renewals, reissuance, and exemptions.
• March 17, 2025: MOHA has not yet granted the Department of Employment the formal authority to accept applications, resulting in a current de facto suspension on application submissions to MOHA until further notice.
• April 9, 2025: MOHA has resumed processing applications and issuing decisions.  However, delays with adjudication of applications should be expected, as MOHA continues to work through the backlog.
• April 15, 2025: The Vietnamese government has approved a plan to rearrange and reorganize its provincial-level administrative units. Most provinces in Vietnam will be merged with others, to reduce the current number of provinces and centrally-run cities. It is not yet clear what impact this will have on the work permit process, but some applications are likely to be redirected. 
• April 15, 2025: For Ho Chi Minh City, the Immigration authorities are closely scrutinizing Resident Registration Letters issued to support immigration-related processes. Such letters must be registered online, with a corresponding record in the Immigration system, to ensure that they can be accepted.

We expect additional changes to be made in the coming days and weeks, including new forms and additional instructions, which may impact ongoing applications.

March 21, 2025: Transition of Processing to Ministry of Home Affairs Causes Delays

February 26, 2025: Oversight of Foreign Workers Reassigned to Ministry of Home Affairs

January 2, 2025: New Approving Authority for Some Work Permit Application Types in Hanoi

August 5, 2024: New Online Step for Visa Applicants in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai and Binh Duong Provinces Prolongs Visa Processing Times

July 24, 2024: Authority to Act on Certain Administrative Matters to be Delegated to Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Committee

April 12, 2024: Additional Online Step for Chinese Nationals Applying in Ho Chi Minh City

February 9, 2024: Job Position Approval Now Required for the Reissuance of Certain Work Permits in Hanoi

December 12, 2023: Company Registration Websites and Additional Details Now Available for Forthcoming Market Testing Requirements

November 28, 2023: Company Registration Website Now Available for New Labor Market Testing Requirements

September 25, 2023: Amendment to Labour Decree 152 Affecting Foreign Nationals Issued

Vietnam’s immigration system continues to evolve, bringing both challenges and opportunities for employers and foreign nationals. With the recent changes, understanding the shifting requirements is essential for a smooth and compliant experience.

Whether you’re an employer looking to bring in global talent or a foreign national planning to work in Vietnam, a proactive and well-prepared approach can help navigate the process. Below are practical insights and tips to ensure a seamless experience, avoid unnecessary delays and stay compliant with Vietnam’s evolving immigration requirements.

1. Plan ahead for longer processing times. With new steps like Labour Market Testing extending overall processing times, employers should plan ahead and incorporate longer lead times to prevent disruptions in hiring and business operations. Additionally, the ongoing government restructuring, which shifts immigration oversight from MOLISA to MOHA, may introduce temporary delays, making it essential to stay informed about procedural changes. Since immigration requirements can vary by location, both businesses and foreign nationals should be prepared for potential regional differences in processing and compliance expectations.
2. Make documentation and compliance a priority. Accuracy is crucial, as Vietnamese authorities closely scrutinize applications. To avoid issues, job titles, duties, and qualifications should be aligned as much as possible. Also, with some processes shifting online, particularly in major hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, employers should ensure they are using the correct platforms for submissions.
3. Adapt workforce planning strategies. Employers are advised to incorporate immigration lead times into their hiring strategy to maintain business continuity and minimize disruptions.
4. Stay ahead of policy changes. By actively monitoring policy updates, government announcements and industry insights, employers can anticipate changes impacting work permit eligibility, application timelines and compliance obligations. Taking a proactive approach to these developments helps minimize delays, reduce legal risks and create a more seamless immigration experience for both employers and foreign talent. While the authorities in Vietnam do make policy changes (or even cease application processing) without notice, Fragomen can work with you to “expect the unexpected” and to plan for such contingencies in a proactive manner.