Vietnam Moves to Clean Up Overseas Labor Market, Boosts Training from Mekong Delta

Efforts are underway to clean up the overseas labor deployment market in Vietnam's southern Mekong Delta region. In response to the low number of individuals from this region seeking overseas employment, the government is strengthening human resource development and information dissemination. According to a World Bank report, approximately 1.7 million people have left the Mekong Delta in search of livelihoods over the past decade, but the proportion choosing contract-based overseas labor remains low. This is attributed to workers' insufficient understanding of the purpose and rights associated with overseas employment, language barriers, and high service fees in some areas. For workers from impoverished households, the cost of traveling from their hometowns to the capital, Hanoi, for training has also been a significant hurdle. To overcome these challenges, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Can Tho City People's Committee have collaborated to establish a non-profit vocational training facility in the Mekong Delta. This facility aims to provide integrated services from talent sourcing and vocational training to post-return employment support, bringing long-term benefits to workers in the southern region. Mr. Dang Huy Hong, Director of the Center for Overseas Labour, believes that the establishment of the training facility in Can Tho will contribute to cost reduction and improved access to programs for workers. Currently, non-profit overseas labor programs implemented by the Center for Overseas Labour do not charge service fees. They also cover a significant portion of training costs, airfare, and provide financial support after workers complete their contracts and return home. The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasizes the importance of widespread public awareness campaigns to help impoverished and near-poor households, rural youth, and demobilized soldiers in the Mekong Delta access information to choose suitable jobs based on their circumstances. Regarding illegal brokerage issues, the Department of Overseas Labour Management has been aware of this phenomenon for six years, and relevant authorities have actively taken measures to address it, contributing to the market's cleanup. Deputy Director Bui Sy Tuan mentioned that in collaboration with Japanese partners, the DOLAB-JICA application has been developed, allowing workers to connect directly with enterprises and track approved contracts on their mobile phones. This measure prevents brokerage companies from interfering with the system, aiming to resolve social dissatisfaction caused by information manipulation and illicit financial gains. In parallel with institutional improvements, the Department of Overseas Labour Management will continue to promote cooperation with various countries and territories to expand employment opportunities and diversify the markets receiving Vietnamese labor. Source: Nhan Dan