Vietnam Shifts Focus in Overseas Labor to High-Skilled Workers, Emphasizing Returnee Utilization

Vietnam's National Assembly is currently debating amendments to the law on Vietnamese citizens working abroad under contract. A significant consensus among National Assembly deputies is emerging to shift the focus from increasing the sheer number of overseas laborers to enhancing their quality and expertise. This includes prioritizing the development of highly skilled workers and establishing mechanisms to effectively utilize their acquired skills upon their return to Vietnam. Currently, approximately 900,000 Vietnamese workers are employed overseas, contributing an estimated over $6 billion annually through remittances. However, Deputy Nguyễn Ngọc Sơn highlighted the substantial income disparity based on skill level and destination market. For instance, while workers in Japan and Taiwan might earn around $1,300 per month, and those in South Korea about $1,600, earnings in countries like Germany and Denmark could reach $4,000. Sơn argued that by improving workers' skills and targeting higher-paying markets, Vietnam can multiply the value generated without necessarily increasing the number of outbound workers. This approach is seen as crucial for retaining young talent within the domestic market, especially as industrial zones expand and face labor shortages. To facilitate this strategic shift, deputies are calling for the law to clearly define priority sectors and markets, along with policies for training personnel to meet international standards. Deputy Trần Lan Phương emphasized the need for clear government regulations on criteria for selecting industries and markets, and support for businesses in training workers for sectors like semiconductors, electronics, and digital technology. She noted that a purely principled approach in the law would be difficult to implement in practice. Furthermore, the draft law is being urged to incorporate mechanisms for receiving and utilizing returning workers. Deputies view this as a potential channel for human resource development, technology transfer, and skill acquisition for Vietnam. Many returnees bring enhanced language abilities, professional experience, technical skills, and work ethics. However, Vietnam currently lacks a comprehensive system to officially recognize these competencies and connect returnees with domestic employers. Deputy Phạm Thu Xanh proposed that the law include policies to facilitate the reintegration and optimal use of this skilled returning workforce, preventing the waste of their accumulated international experience. Deputies also recommended that the law mandate the recording of repatriated workers' vocational skills in a national database and task provincial People's Committees with connecting them to businesses, particularly foreign-invested enterprises within their localities. For workers from impoverished households or ethnic minorities, Sơn suggested special provisions for vocational training and language support. He concluded that the ability to connect these returnees with employment opportunities will determine whether the nearly 900,000 overseas workers become a valuable human resource asset or are underutilized upon their return. Currently, around 860,000 Vietnamese workers are employed in over 40 countries and territories, with remittances estimated between $6.5 to $7 billion annually. Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea are the largest labor markets. General laborers or those with short-term training constitute about 85-90% of the total outbound workforce, while highly skilled and technical workers represent 10-15%. They are predominantly employed in manufacturing, processing, construction, mechanics, agriculture, fisheries, and domestic help. Source: VnExpress